  We demonstrate how measuring orbital period derivatives can lead to more
accurate distance estimates and transverse velocities for some nearby binary
pulsars. In many cases this method will estimate distances more accurately than
is possible by annual parallax, as the relative error decreases as t^-5/2.
Unfortunately, distance uncertainties limit the degree to which nearby
relativistic binary pulsars can be used for testing the general relativistic
prediction of orbital period decay to a few percent. Nevertheless, the measured
orbital period derivative of PSR B1534+12 agrees within the observational
uncertainties with that predicted by general relativity if the proper-motion
contribution is accounted for.
