(Photo by Jim Havard)

Commuters and recreational cyclists had already started taking advantage of the four-mile trail that runs through the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, but with today’s ribbon cutting, nearly 70 miles of trails between D.C. and Maryland are officially linked.

The new segment connects Benning Road in the District with Bladensburg Waterfront Park and the Anacostia Tributary Trails System network, a $22 million extension of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail that is improve cyclists’ rides in an area with limited bike infrastructure.

“It trims more than a mile from the trip between River Terrace and the Bladensburg Waterfront Park, compared to using Bladensburg Road and 1.5 miles compared to going via Cheverly,” The WashCycle writes. “In fact from anywhere in D.C. east of the river or east of 15th Street NE and south of Benning Road, it will be the new shortest route.”

Other commuters who have given it a try praise the clear signage and stunning river views. The trails’ paved roads (10 to 12 feet wide) wind their way through both the Aquatic Gardens and other NPS land, and over five bridges.

The federal government contributed nearly more than half the funds for the project, with the rest divided between D.C. and Maryland. To that end, there were a number of high ranking government officials at the ribbon cutting, among them Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Victor Mendez, Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-MD), Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), National Park Service Regional Director Robert Vogel, D.C. Department of Transportation Director Leif Dormsjo, and Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn.

“This strong partnership between local and federal partners shows what we can accomplish as we continue to expand transportation opportunities east of the Anacostia River, one of our region’s most beautiful assets,” Holmes Norton said. “I am proud D.C. and the region is committed to building a robust bicycle and pedestrian trail network.”

The pink section above is now officially complete. To experience it in a group setting, WABA’s Cider Ride on November 5 will pass through.