A question to the Washington DC experts...
 

We are going next week for a 3 days visit to this interesting city for the first time. Is it possible to rent a bike and go arround visiting the important monuments, museums, etc. or in the contrary is not wise to do so? Are there bike paths along the main streets?
Thanks in advance for any respose...

Renting bikes one day is a wonderful idea.

We often ride along the Mall and around to the Memorials which can all be done done on bike paths - including Arlington Cemetary, White House, Georgetown, and the Captiol Grounds.

There are also bike racks at the Smithsonian Museums along the Mall if you want to go inside. The outdoor cafe at the National Gallery of Art is a favorite break spot.

Hopefully someone else can help with bike rental locations.

There are NOT bike paths along the main streets but everything mentioned above can be done "off road".

Here is a helpful website with lots of useful information and maps:
http://www.bikewashington.org/

With the link for bike rentals:
http://www.bikewashington.org/rentals/index.htm

I've biked all around the Mall and monuments. Bikes are permitted on Metro rail. I've been on the C&O trail, W&OD trail with my kids and all around DC and Georgetown and Northern VA. Safe, and fun. Wear a helmet.

I would also recommend renting a kayak at the Thompson Boat Center. For a modest fee you will get an unparalled view of the city and have fun too. Go toward Georgetown and paddle under the Key Bridge. Turn around and head back while enjoying the view of the Washington Monument and the Kennedy Center. Nice to do in late afternoon when everyone else is stuck in traffic.

The best ice cream (gelato)in this part of town is in the National Gallery indoor restaurant espresso bar which is underground between the East and West wing.

Most of the major museums and monuments are along the Mall area and are accessible by bike.

Have a nice visit!

Thanks for all of your responses.
The websites are very useful indeed.
I´m sure we will have fun...
Best wishes!

You can rent bikes from a concessionaire at the Old Post Office Pavillion at 12th & Pennsylvania Ave., NW. The concessionaire is behind on the basement level.

Enjoy DC!