Washington, DC Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- D.C. Code § 10-1141.03(f)
- Who must comply
- Public space/right-of-way permittees
- Required standard
- Safe accommodation for cyclists, pedestrians
- Pre-permit requirement
- Approved traffic management plan
- Enforcement law
- Civil Infractions Act, D.C. Code § 2-1801.01
- Definition source
- Set with Bicycle, Pedestrian Advisory Councils
Summary
In Washington, D.C., anyone permitted to occupy public space, public rights of way, or public structures must provide a safe accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists if their work blocks a sidewalk or bicycle lane. The Mayor enforces this through the public-space permitting program under D.C. Code § 10-1141.03.
The Mayor shall require permittees blocking a sidewalk, bicycle lane, or other pedestrian or bicycle path to provide a safe accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Full Breakdown
C. 03(f), requires the Mayor to make permittees who block a sidewalk, bicycle lane, or other pedestrian or bicycle path provide a safe accommodation for pedestrians and cyclists passing through the work zone. 03(a)-(b) for conduits, scaffolding, construction staging, or similar uses. 04, directs the Mayor to treat a bicycle lane blockage the same as closing a traffic lane and to apply similar regulations to it (paragraph 6); to define "safe accommodation" in consultation with the Bicycle Advisory Council and the Pedestrian Advisory Council so the definition binds every permittee (paragraph 7); and to require a permittee to submit a traffic management plan addressing safe accommodation for pedestrians and bicyclists for the Mayor's approval before any permit issues (paragraph 8).
03(b)-(c) the Mayor can issue them regardless of property ownership, attach terms and conditions, and revoke a permit at any time, refunding any prepaid charge tied to the revoked portion. 03(e) lets the Mayor require the permittee, at its own expense, to remove any structure and restore the space, or the District will remove it and bill the permittee. 03a for Business Improvement District or Community Improvement District projects that serve a public benefit at no cost to the District.
Violations & Fines
Blocking a bicycle lane under a public-space permit without the required safe accommodation, or without an approved traffic management plan, is an infraction of the permitting subchapter. Under D.C. Code § 10-1141.07(a), civil fines and penalties for violating this subchapter or its implementing rules are imposed under the District's Civil Infractions Act, D.C. Code § 2-1801.01 et seq., with enforcement and adjudication handled through that Act's process. The Mayor may separately enforce the subchapter under D.C. Code § 50-921.19(a), (c), (d), (e), and (f), and can revoke the offending permit outright under § 10-1141.03(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to a private citizen riding through a work zone?
What has to happen before a permit that blocks a bike lane is issued?
What happens if a permittee blocks a bike lane without providing safe accommodation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
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