The North Bethesda Trail/Bethesda Trolley Trail connects Rockville to downtown Bethesda. It begins at Edson Lane, runs south through residential neighborhoods and crossing over I-270 and I-495, before meandering through the NIH grounds utilizing streets and its own right-of-way. It finally terminates at the intersection of Ruby and Norfolk Avenues on the southern end of Battery Lane Park. Overall, the North Bethesda Trail is a decent bikeway for commuting and light recreational purposes. It definitely serves the purpose of linking the North Bethesda/Southern Rockville regions with downtown Bethesda as well as the residential areas in between. However, the trail feels very incomplete with certain sections running on the road when there is clearly room for a segregated bike path. Examples include Fleming Avenue and Old Georgetown Road near NIH. The segregated path on Fleming Avenue south of Grosvenor Lane abruptly stops when there is room to continue the pavement until it reaches Fleming Park. The section near NIH also has a vast expanse of green lawn that could easily accommodate a separate right-of-way parallel to the security fence. Widening and straightening could also be potential upgrades at various sections.

This trail starts in Battery Park just off Norfolk Ave in down town Bethesda and goes 7 miles toward Rockville but on sidewalks after 3 miles. It is not a bad connection from the Capital Crescent Trail via Glenbrook Rd and a good connection to Rock Creek Trail via Grosvner Road. After the start it circles around the grounds of NIH. There is a very good map via Montgomery County Parks. Bob