Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the tours begin?
All tours begin at 1:00 P.M., except for the Family Tours.
What time do the Family Tours begin?
Family Tours begin at 2:30 P.M.
Where do the tours begin?
All tours (including Family Tours) begin at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Plaza. This is the area at the base of the Memorial steps.
How long do the tours last?
All tours last for three hours except for the Family Tours.
How long do the Family Tours last?
Family Tours last for two hours.
When are tours given?
During the 2009 season, tours take place every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from Saturday, March 28, 2009 – Sunday, November 29, 2009.
When are Family Tours given?
During the 2009 season, Family tours take place on the third Sunday of each month from May - November: May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, October 18, and November 15.
Is there a charge for the tours?
NO. All tours are FREE.
If the tours are free, there must be a catch…?
A slight one… you must provide your own bike and helmet.
Are helmets required?
YES. Everyone who participates on our tours MUST wear a helmet.
What should I bring with me?
You MUST bring your own bike and your own helmet. Water and snacks are good options. Maybe a camera if you are so inclined.
I want to participate in your tours but I don’t have a bike. Could I rent one locally?
Yes. Visit for a full list of bike rental shops in the Washington, DC area.
Do I have to be an excellent rider to participate?
No. Our tours are a fun and easy way to learn about the history of Washington, DC from our experienced National Park Service rangers. Anyone who can ride a bike can join our tours.
How far do we travel during your tours?
Every tour is different (as our schedule indicates) to allow every ranger the full opportunity to provide the most in-depth tour possible. So, depending on the tour topic and the rangers giving the tour, the distance traveled varies from 5 to 10 miles.
Do I need to make reservations for your tours?
Yes… and No. All Family Tours require reservations. Call Bike Program Coordinator – Ranger Jason Martz at 202-438-4391 to make reservations for Family Tours. All other regularly scheduled tours do not normally require reservations. Simply show up about 15 minutes early to participate. However, special “On This Date in History” tours may require reservations. Check schedule for details.
I’m concerned about bicycle safety in an urban setting. What training have your National Park Service rangers completed?
Great question! We use a nationally recognized bicycle training program through the League of American Bicyclists. Some of our rangers are League Certified Instructors (LCI’s) while all other members of our staff have completed the Road II course. For more information on the League of American Bicyclists, check out their webpage http://www.bikeleague.org/. Relax, enjoy the ride, and leave the rest to us!
Are your rangers American Red Cross certified as well?
Yes! All members of our ranger-Bike Tour staff have completed the Red Cross Basic First Aid and CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer.
What is the nearest Metro Station to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial?
The Smithsonian Station is the closest. The station is located near the intersection of Independence Avenue and 12th Street, SW. For more information click on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website http://www.wmata.com/.
Can I take my bike on Metro?
Yes. Please visit: http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/bike_ride/bikes_rail.cfm for more information.
I’m driving to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. How do I get there and where do I park?
From I-395 North – Cross the 14th Street Bridge over the Potomac River and take the first exit for East Potomac Park. Turn Right at the first stop sign (onto Buckeye Drive) then turn Right at the second stop sign (onto Ohio Drive). The Potomac River will be on your left. You will approach three parking lots, lettered A, B, and C, on your right. Park in any of these and ride to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
From I-395 South – Take the first exit after the Maine Avenue split – East Potomac Park. Turn Right at the first stop sign. Turn Right at the second stop sign (onto Buckeye Drive) then turn Right at the third stop sign (onto Ohio Drive). The Potomac River will be on your left. You will approach three parking lots, lettered A, B, and C, on your right. Park in any of these and ride to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
From I-66 – Cross the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River and take the Independence Avenue exit. Off the exit continue straight to the stop sign. Once through the stop sign get into the right lane. You will bear off to the right after you pass under the overpasses, keeping the Potomac River on your right. You are now on Ohio Drive driving toward the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Continue over the small bridge keeping the river on your right. You will pass under the 14th Street Bridges. The three parking lots, lettered A, B, and C will be on your left. Park in any of these and ride to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
From 15th Street NW – Pass the Washington Monument going south. Stay in the right lane as you approach the Tidal Basin and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Continue around the Tidal Basin and drive past the Thomas Jefferson Memorial to the stop sign. (Disregard any cars parked in front of the Memorial. They are illegally parked!) Turn left, pass under the 14th Street Bridges, the three parking lots, lettered A, B, and C, will be on your left. Park in any of these and ride to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
