Originally shared by our partners at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association on April 21, 2026.
We’re thrilled to share an update on the lawsuit to protect the 15th St bike lane in DC from removal by the federal government: WE HERE IS SOME GOOD NEWS! In case you missed it, our legal team argued our case for saving the 15th Street protected bike at a hearing on April 9th. Today, the judge issued a ruling IN OUR FAVOR. The fight may not be over—there’s a chance the government tries to appeal—but this is REALLY GOOD NEWS. The ruling states that the decision to remove the bike lane was arbitrary and capricious, and that the removal cannot proceed as planned. The government has to follow a public input process and conduct further research. Let me tell you there’s no good faith research that supports their position, and boy will make sure they hear from the public, over and over again.
Recently, my colleague Jonathan said “Elizabeth, sometimes it’s not about the WIN, it’s about the FIGHT.” I found that advice inspiring during the last few weeks, and boy did we fight. I am so inspired by the community that rose up to fight this foolish attempt, by the volunteers and staff and legal team that brought their A-game to every step of this process.
In mid-February, a contact reached out to let us know that the National Park Service, under the direction of the US Department of Transportation and the White House, were planning to remove the bike lane, probably without following the correct process, and on a short timeline.
I reached out to every lawyer we know and we put together an all-star team from two well-regarded firms, Beveridge and Diamond, and Covington. Kalli, our Advocacy Director, organized a team of volunteers to keep the bike lane under constant surveillance. We worked with local experts on a rapid response direct action. Hundreds of you showed up to our first rally on the steps of the Wilson Building. Thousands of you shared and signed a petition.
For a couple of weeks, the rumors quieted down. We breathed a little. Then several sources confirmed a date: March 23rd. Our law firm sent a sharply worded letter indicating that we planned to file suit March 22 and notified the court of the Sunday filing. Then came our first tiny victory: In response, the Department of Justice (which represents the Federal Government in court) agreed that NPS, USDOT or any other agencies would not remove the bike lane until March 30th, and, shortly after that, they agreed to hold off until April 23rd. We filed our complaint on March 23—I signed the documents on my phone at our second rally surrounded by hundreds of amazing people like you, who showed up to support this critical piece of infrastructure.
They said April 23rd, but we know how this administration operates. Trust but verify, right? You helped us keep eyes on the bike lane, and I am grateful to every one of you that called me about changes, blockages, and suspicious construction equipment on 15th Street.
The judge met with both parties four times, and then set the hearing date for April 9—a quick turnaround given that the government was unwilling to concede more time. Our excellent team argued eloquently for our side and many advocates joined us in the courtroom gallery to demonstrate the depth of public support.
AND WE WON!!
Your voices, your hard work, your financial support all made this possible.
It has been inspiring to fight alongside so many dedicated, and brilliant people. And we’re not done fighting. You know, and I know, and the region knows how VITAL this corridor is to safe bike, pedestrian and transit traffic. We are still rallying to celebrate the 15th Street Bike Lane at the “Save America’s Bike Lanes Rally” on TODAY (April 21) at 5 p.m., and I hope thousands of us show up. We matter. Our safety matters. We know this won’t be the last time this administration tries to pull off some BS that makes our streets less safe, and we are fired up and ready to keep fighting. But in the meantime, go take a ride down 15th street and enjoy this lovely spring day.
A note from the League:
Thank you for showing up.
We are so proud of everyone who rallied on April 21st. Whether you rode, marched, posted, called, or simply spread the word, you were part of something real. The energy from that day carried into the courtroom, and this ruling is proof that when people who love biking show up together, it matters.
This is a genuine victory worth celebrating. And we’ll take it.
But as WABA notes, an appeal is possible, and the threats to bike infrastructure extend far beyond DC. The same arguments being used to justify removing the 15th Street lane are being used to cut federal funding for biking and walking nationwide. Protecting one lane (especially America’s Bike Lane) is meaningful. Protecting every lane, and ensuring communities can access federal funding to build new ones, is the work ahead.
Wondering what’s next? The best thing you can do right now is keep the pressure on. Take our action alert to tell Congress that people across the country care about safe, connected streets — not just in DC, but in every community that deserves a bike lane. Because #BikeLanesSaveLives, and that doesn’t stop being true when the news cycle moves on.
Thank you for being part of this movement. We’re not done yet, and we’re glad you’re riding with us.