By DCist Contributor Joe Danielewicz

D.C. cyclists could be riding down new bike paths in the heart of downtown as soon as May, after getting a first glimpse of the plans Thursday night.

It’s part of DDOT’s “Innovative Bike Lane” program, a result of a 2005 bicycle master plan for the District. The cost of converting the lanes is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million, money already in DDOT’s budget.

The first lanes completed will be two bike lanes in the median on Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 15th St. and 3rd St. NW, and a small spur connecting L St. to M St. in Georgetown. “The time frame is as soon as possible,” said Jim Sebastian, bike coordinator for the District’s Department of Transportation. DDOT will incorporate minor changes based on a review of comments at Thursday’s gathering, refine the designs and then begin actual road work in April. The city expects to complete the Pennsylvania Ave. lanes by Bike to Work Day, on May 13.