Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is pleased to announce that it will provide services and information on a wide range of transportation options to help visitors beat the traffic to this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival.

DDOT and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) for the second year in a row will offer “valet bicycle parking” during the upcoming Cherry Blossom Festival.

This year the valet parking program will be expanded from one site to two sites due to the popularity of last year’s program.

Cyclists can leave their bikes free of charge at secure, staffed areas—at 15th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, and at the southwest corner of the Jefferson Memorial—Saturdays and Sundays during the festival.

The program aims to help make cycling more convenient for festival goers and to reduce traffic congestion in and around the Tidal Basin and the District’s downtown.

“Proving transit choices into and around the District is one of our top priorities at DDOT,” said Emeka Moneme, DDOT Director. “To fully enjoy spring in the District, it’s wise to consider alternatives to driving. We want people to experience the beauty of the blossoms—not traffic.”

DDOT is also offering two hours of free parking for tour buses in the Union Station garage and the City Center Lot (the site of the Old Convention Center at 9th and H Streets, NW) in order to keep tour bus traffic and parking away from the Tidal Basin.

Both lots are convenient to Metrorail and the Circulator bus. DDOT will also offer enhanced DC Circulator bus service. The Circulator will be replacing the Georgetown Metro Connection—known as the “Blue Bus”—on the Foggy Bottom line. For a Circulator map please visit www.dccirculator.com.

Visit the National Cherry Blossom Festival website's Visitor Information section for tips and maps. Or visit www.goDCgo.com for an interactive map that shows all of the National Cherry Blossom Festival events and recommended transportation options.

During the 16 days of National Cherry Blossom Festival, the District hosts approximately two million local, national and international visitors, according to the National Park Service. The festival starts March 31 and ends April 14.