In early 2024, the City of Alexandria completed construction of its first contraflow bike lane. Located between Mount Vernon Avenue and Leslie Avenue, this contraflow bike lane allows people to bike safely ride against one-way traffic while providing a direct connection between Mount Vernon Avenue and the Potomac Yard Trail.  

The Alexandria Mobility Plan (2021) identified East Glendale Avenue as a bicycle route planned to be improved with shared lane markings. Prior to the contraflow bike lane, East Glendale Ave was only traversable via a one-way westbound lane, making it difficult for people riding bikes to travel eastbound. However, East Glendale Avenue was wide enough to accommodate a contraflow bicycle lane to facilitate people biking eastbound.  

No parking was removed due to this project. The contraflow bike lane was be separated from westbound traffic by a double-yellow line. To complete the connection where East Glendale Ave serves two-way traffic (between Leslie Ave and Main Line Blvd), new shared-lane markings, also known as sharrows, were installed. 

Contraflow bike lanes enable bicyclists to operate in two directions on one-way streets. 

These lanes provide more convenient or direct connections for people biking, and are often in short connecting segments where there is adequate roadway width for an exclusive lane. Contra-flow bike lanes have been used in many communities, including DC and Arlington. 

Contraflow bike lanes allow bicyclists to move in two directions on one-way streets, providing convenient and direct connections between bike routes. While roads with contraflow bike lanes may look different, the rules for using them don't change!

Whether you drive a car, pedal a bike, or ride a scooter:

• Stay to the right of the double yellow line
• Obey the speed limit
• Slow down when approaching a crosswalk and stop for pedestrians
• Allow through traffic to pass before turning

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Planning and public outreach for this project started in June 2023. Design occurred during the summer and construction started in the fall. Construction construction completed in early 2024.

Traffic and Parking Board 

For more information about this project or to provide comments, please contact Bryan Hayes, Complete Streets Coordinator, at bryan.hayes@alexandriava.gov.