Judge’s Decision Halts Removal of 15th Street Protected Bike Lane

U.S. District Court ruling highlights arbitrary and capricious decision making by the federal government in the rush to remove the bike infrastructure

WASHINGTON, DC — On April 21, community members across the Washington, DC region and advocates nationwide celebrated a ruling by Amy Berman Jackson, which found that federal agencies cannot proceed with plans to remove the 15th Street Protected Bike Lane along the National Mall on April 23.

The U.S. District Court determined that the National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act by acting in an arbitrary and capricious manner when they moved to rapidly dismantle sections of the bike lane on federal land. The ruling followed the April 9 hearing in Washington Area Bicyclist Association, Inc. v. Burgum.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) argued that the agencies failed to provide notice, explanation, or an opportunity for public comment as required by law, did not conduct a required environmental assessment, and ignored clear data showing the bike lane improved safety and travel times for all road users.

After initial reports of the planned removal were confirmed, WABA submitted a formal complaint on March 22, prompting the United States Department of the Interior to pause construction until March 30 ahead of a hearing, and later extend that pause through April 23. Represented by legal teams from Covington & Burling with support from Beveridge & Diamond, WABA presented its case before Judge Jackson in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Advocates say the decision is a major win for proven safety infrastructure in the nation’s capital.

“The 15th Street protected bike lane is a critical part of the region’s network, and despite federal claims, the District Department of Transportation’s study shows that whether you're biking, driving, or walking, this project improves your trip,” said Elizabeth Kiker, Executive Director of WABA. “It creates seamless connections across DC and the region, improves safety for everyone, separates travel modes, and even speeds up car travel.”

Kiker added that the fight has become symbolic beyond infrastructure: “The 15th Street bike lane has become a powerful symbol for our community here in the DMV and across the country. It’s America’s Bike Lane, and we’ll keep fighting for these critical connections and safer streets.”

WABA and the League of American Bicyclists are marking the moment with a rally and ride on the National Mall.

A before-and-after study from the District Department of Transportation found that total crashes declined by 46% following installation of the lane, bicyclist crashes dropped by 91%, and driver travel times also improved.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association works to empower people to ride bikes, build community connections, and transform public spaces, with a vision for a just and sustainable transportation system where walking, biking, and transit are the best ways to get around.