Walk or bike along the Anacostia, but only business hours

People will be able to walk and bike the entire length of the Anacostia starting April 1, but the portion past the Navy Yard will only be open during business hours, meaning the trail will be inaccessible during the very times it would be most popular.

The US Navy announced that the Navy Yard Riverwalk Trail will open to the public on April 1, completing a continuous off-street pedestrian and bicycle path along the west bank of the Anacostia River from Benning Road NE to Nationals Park.

But at least for the time being, the portion that traverses the Navy Yard complex — from Yards Park to 11th Street SE — will only be open from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.

While the completion of another missing link in greater Washington’s growing network of hiking and biking trails is a significant step forward, its closure during the evening rush hour prevents it from being used by most bicycle commuters, and its closure on weekends and holidays discourages recreational cyclists.

The Navy also warns that access to the trail may be blocked for safety or operational reasons at any time, without notice.

The Navy should be applauded for its contribution to DC’s quality of life and car-free transportation infrastructure. Let’s hope that the new Riverwalk Trail will become popular enough, despite its limited availability, to convince the Navy to increase the hours it is open.