Arlington National Cemetery Bans Bikes

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington National Cemetery has made the decision to ban bikes on its grounds effective Wednesday, Oct. 26.

In a statement on its website, the cemetery said that anyone who wants to bike in the cemetery in the future will have to get a family pass.

"The primary purpose of ANC’s roads are to facilitate funeral services, vehicles operating in the daily care of the cemetery, and families visiting the final resting place of loved ones," the statement reads. "While we know that riders intend no disrespect, bicyclists traversing the cemetery grounds do impact funeral services and the experience that families expect and deserve as they visit their loved one’s grave."

Arlington National Cemetery also says there are "legitimate safety conerns" involved with allowing bicyclists to roam its grounds, especially considering the volume of pedestrians who visit the cemetery every day.

"As there are no bike paths on the cemetery grounds, mixing cyclists with pedestrians and vehicles creates a safety hazard," the statement adds. "This new policy has been deemed necessary to alleviate these concerns."

Image via Arlington National Cemetery