Biking and Walking in Virginia
Ferries
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains and operates three ferries. The Jamestown-Scotland Ferry is crosses the James River between James City and Surry Counties. The ferry is an alternative to bridge crossings in Hampton Roads where bicycles are prohibited. The ferry is approximately 30 miles from the nearest bridge. It is an important connection on the East Coast Greenway and is identified as a segment along the proposed Birthplace of America Trail
Other ferries operated by VDOT are located at Merry Point and Sunny Bank on Virginia's Northern Neck.
The Elizabeth River Ferry, operated by Hampton Roads Transit, crosses the Elizabeth River between the Cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth. White’s Ferry, a privately-operated ferry service connects Loudoun County to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Trail near Poolesville, Maryland. Hatton Ferry, a donation-based service crosses the James River between Albemarle and Buckingham Counties.
Rail Transportation
Carry-on bicycle service, boxed bicycles, and trainside checked bicycle service are ways that bicycles can be brought on passenger trains. The type of service varies by agency, location, and route. Additionally, folding bikes under a certain size can also be brought on trains (see below for Amtrak's maximum dimensions). The most up to date information about when and where these services are provided can be found on the service providers' websites at the following links:
- Amtrak
- Virginia Railway Express
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) - Metrorail
- Hampton Roads Transit - The Tide
VDOT's Bicycling in Virginia Train Service Guide (PDF) provides an overview of Amtrak and VRE stations and routes that accommodate bicycles. The following criteria apply to Amtrak routes only:
- Carry-on bicycle service allows full-size bicycles to be transported in bicycle racks located in the baggage car at select stations served by the Carolinian, Crescent, Northeast Regional Routes 65-66-67, and Silver Service/Palmetto routes
- Trainside checked bicycle service provides designated spaces within the body of the train car
- Boxed bicycles as checked baggage available at select stations for $15 per box
- Folding bikes under the dimensions of 34" x 15" x 48"
- Bicycles may be checked on Amtrak between all locations where checked baggage is offered
Bus Transit
Buses are typically equipped with bike racks affixed to the fronts of buses. Buses that accommodate bicyclists provide access to jobs and increase the distance cyclists can travel. They also help cyclists avoid riding in bad weather and areas where conditions are dangerous for it. Secure bicycle parking in transit-oriented developments provides access to jobs and regional and national transportation. Consult your local transit service for information about using bike racks.
VDOT's Northern Virginia District, WMATA, and Fairfax County provide bicycle lockers at Park-and-Ride lots and some Metro stations. Other ways bicycles are integrated with public transportation include bike share and parking facilities.
Park and Ride
There are more than 300 state-owned, privately-owned, and informal park and ride lots located throughout Virginia. In some areas, transit service and bicycle parking accommodations encourage alternative transportation. An interactive mapping application that includes information about Virginia Park and Ride Lots is available on ArcGIS Online and Virginia Roads. VDOT's Park and Ride page provides additional information.