Biking on Sidewalks

[matt at seatryst.com]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post so sorry if I didn't do this right.

I recently got my 8 year old son started riding his bike to school and he is loving it.  Recently I was informed, somewhat rudely, that it is illegal to ride bikes on the sidewalks in Alexandria.  I thought this can't be right...  not in bike-friendly Alexandria.  However checking the Alexandria Municipal Code I find that it is in fact illegal.  

I cannot see my son riding his bike in the street on West Glebe or along Mt. Vernon in rush hour traffic.

I checked out an alternate safe route which avoids these streets.  It takes about 15 minutes longer and is up and down several large hills.  I'm afraid it would turn my son off to riding his bike to school.

Does anyone have any suggestions or has anyone discussed this with Alexandria City Officials?

Thanks,
Matt