Almost all the sidewalks in DC have ramps, so, depending on the traffic and the location, you can jump on the sidewalk. Also, the Senate side, up Constitution Ave is slightly less steep than the House side up Independance by Rayburn.
If you can get to the Lincoln Memorial, you can bike down beside the reflecting pool on sidewalks to the WWII memorial, cycle around the Washington Mon and get on the north side of the Mall on sidewalk. Cycle down the Mall to 4th St. Turn left. Go one block to Constitution and take a right and follow it around till it goes up Capitol Hill.
If you take Key Bridge, take a right at the end of the bridge, and take M St west, it turns into PA Ave, pass the White House, right on 15th and get on the bike lanes which take you down to 4th St. The only tricky part is Washington Circle. As you go around the circle, take care not to be clipped by the cars turning onto 23rd St as they are expecting you to turn in that lane if they even see you at all.
This is simpler than it sounds. First time, allow extra time, but second time will be even more fun. Hope this is helpful. cheers, lucky
