Dear

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is pleased to announce that it will be providing FREE VALET BIKE PARKING on the National Mall as part of the Independence Day celebrations on July 4th, 2006.  This service is provided by WABA and the National Park Service in an effort to reduce traffic congestion and ease Metrorail crowding by encouraging residents and visitors to bike to the Fourth of July celebrations.

Cyclists who attend the Independence Day festivities will be able to drop their bike of in a safe and secure parking location monitored by WABA staff and volunteers, and be free to enjoy the parade, concerts, exhibitions and fireworks without having to worry about the security of their bikes. 

Location
WABA's bike valet will be located on the grassy area between Independence Ave, Jefferson Ave and 14th, 15th Streets SW.  Just across the street from the Washington Monument's East entrance. Maps of security entrance around the mall can be found here.

Dates and Times
Valet Bike Parking will be available all day on July 4th from 10:00am until 10:00pm. Whether you come in the morning for the parade, or in the evening for the fireworks, we will be there! However, WABA is not responsible for bicycles left after 10:00pm.

Volunteer!

If any of you have seen the size of the crowd at this event, you know how hard it is to find a great spot to watch the fireworks. All valet parking volunteers will be allowed re-entry into the parking area for a guaranteed spot to watch the fireworks! So sign up with your family and friends and show your support for bicycling!

If interested please contact Jeff Peel or call 202.957.2664.

Shifts:
10:00am-1:00pm
Shift will involve initial set-up, as well as initial rush around parade.
2 or more volunteers still needed!

1:00pm-4:00pm
Shift will cover end of parade and fireworks show early birds.
3 or more volunteers still needed!

4:00pm-7:00pm
Shift will cover beginning of arrivals for fireworks show.
2 or more volunteers still needed!

7:00-10:00pm
Shift will cover last rush before fireworks show, duration of fireworks show, as well as clean-up of parking area.
2 or more volunteers still needed!

How to Get There By Bike
Check out our area maps, and find a safe route to the National Mall.  Remember, Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park is closed to motorists on weekends!  For a map of the bike valet location, other bike parking areas on the mall, and bike-friendly mall routes click here. 

Metrorail will not allow bicycles on board on the 4th!  However, your bike can ride for free on Metro Busses.  Please note that the DC Circulator also has front-mounted bike racks similar to the ones on Metrobus.

Be Safe!!
Wear a helmet and check out WABA's Rules of the Road information before you ride. If you aren't yet comfortable riding a bike in traffic, consider attending one of WABA's FREE Confident City Cycling Classes. 

For more information please contact the Washington Area Bicyclist Association at waba@waba.org, or call 202-518-0524.