Capital Bike Share Is Expanding to Alexandria

The shiny red bikes that are now so common on the streets of the District of Columbia could be coming to Alexandria as soon as 2013. Alexandria City Council members this week discussed a plan to join the growing Capital Bikeshare system.

The popular bike sharing program just celebrated its one-year anniversary, and its one-millionth ride. There are now 1,100 bikes, and over 110 bike stations, spread around the District of Columbia and Arlington, with that number set to grow with an expansion planned in those jurisdictions and for parts of Montgomery County. The program is beloved by bike enthusiasts; not always so beloved by drivers and budget-cutting Republicans.

Alexandria's proposal pilot program would provide for a handful of bike sharing stations in highly-trafficked parts of the city like Old Town, Del Ray and Carlyle. The one-year pilot would be paid for in its first year with federal money. Alexandria's city council may formally consider the bike sharing plan in October.
It's good timing. Bike rentals could become even more appealing to Alexandrians quite soon. VéloCity Bicycle Cooperative, a nonprofit that teaches and provides space for do-it-yourself bike repair, has to move out of its Old Town space by the end of January, and may have to leave Alexandria.