Cyclists and advocates rallied Monday after federal officials announced a plan to remove a protected bike lane along 15th Street, a key route used by commuters and tourists in Washington, D.C.
Protests organized by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association gathered at 15th Street and Independence Avenue South West, calling on authorities to halt the removal. The group also launched a petition to stop the lane removal.
In a joint statement, the National Park Service and the Department of Transportation said the change is part of broader efforts to manage major events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the nation’s 250th anniversary.
“Ensuring safe access for residents, commuters, visitors, and emergency services is a shared priority,” they said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “These nationally significant events draw substantial visitation and require coordinated infrastructure planning to support mobility, security, and a positive experience for all.”
The bike lane serves as a major connection point, linking cyclists to popular district spots including the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, and safely connects travelers to the 14th Street bridge sidewalk.
While most of the bike lanes in the city fall under the jurisdiction of the District Department of Transportation, the affected portion lies on federal land, placing it under the authority of the federal Department of Transportation, park service, and the Federal Highway Administration.
Advocates argue that the lane is a critical piece of infrastructure.
The bike lanes “are a critical link in the regional biking network for local residents and visitors from across the country and the globe,” a WABA petition said. “Thousands of people use the bike lane to get between Virginia and Washington, DC and to explore the National Mall every day.”
The group also cited a District Department of Transportation study that found the bike lane reduced all roadway crashes by 46% and bicycle injury crashes by 91%.
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Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser also opposed the plan, warning of increased safety risks without a protected lane.
“Removing the 15th Street Protected Bike Lane … would likely increase conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, especially at one of the busiest times of the year,” she said in a Friday statement. “The bike lane removal would place more pressure on already crowded sidewalks and roadways.”
