Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Barack Obama

Obama Becomes First Prez to Walk Down a Bike Lane on Inauguration Day

false

The networks were busy tripping over themselves trying to point out all the "firsts" during yesterday's inauguration ceremonies. But when Barack and Michelle Obama stepped out of the presidential motorcade to greet well wishers on Pennsylvania Avenue, they missed a huge one: Obama is now the first U.S. president to walk down a bike lane during his inauguration.

The center-median, two-way bicycle lane down Pennsylvania was implemented by DDOT back in summer 2010, so this is the first inauguration to feature the new look. Check out this clip from ABC News that shows the president stepping out of his limo and almost right on top of a bike stencil...

We've done some Streetfilms featuring some great bicycling from the capital.  Check out this Streetfilm on DC's Capital BikeShare and this one from the 2011 National Bike Summit, which features many scenes of the Pennsylvania Ave bike lane in action.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Tuesday’s Tragic Headlines

Car crashes kill 1.2 million people a year and cost the global economy 5 percent of GDP. Why isn't this crisis taken more seriously?

February 25, 2025

Does ‘Vision Zero’ Need a Reset — Or Just More Political Will to Achieve It?

Talking with Insurance Institute for Highway Safety President David Harkey about his organization's safety pivot.

February 25, 2025

‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Falls Prey To Trump Purge

Some of the most basic technical resources cities use to build bike lanes and sidewalks were housed on a single government website, which was scrubbed shortly after Trump's inauguration. Now, advocates are scrambling to replace them.

February 24, 2025

Trump Aide Pushing End of Congestion Toll is Married to (Wait for It!) a Parking Garage Magnate

Alina Habba, the counselor to the president, is married to Gregg Reuben, who owns 28 parking garages across the city. Oligarchy much?

February 24, 2025

Can Monday’s Headlines Dodge DOGE?

Many cut. Very National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Much conflict of interest. So scare. Wow.

February 24, 2025
See all posts