Capital Bikeshare expands to Falls Church, Route 1, MVT and elsewhere

I haven't been doing as good a job of covering CaBi expansion as I once did, and it just keeps happening. Like back in 2016 when it expanded to Tysons (I hope you're not just now reading that here). And then in December, they added stations to Gravelly Point and the parking lot at Teddy Roosevelt Island, as promised, after making an agreement with NPS, one that could result in other stations on NPS land.

The agreement is part of a new permitting process for placing Capital Bikeshare stations on National Park Service land.

Part of that agreement prohibits advertising on NPS-located stations. Now if we can only get one at DCA. 

But wait, there's more. In April, to not much fanfare, the next phase of stations were added in Prince George's County along the Route 1 corridor, with more to follow this summer and fall. There's not one planned for PG County Plaza though. (Update: I never mentioned that the first phase of CaBi in PG County happened in May of 2018.)

Then in May, the system expanded again to Falls Church adding 11 stations to expand the system to 550+. 

Meanwhile, DDOT has been busy adding new stations and expanding others, though not without criticism.

This week and last week, ANCs have barely approved or delayed votes on endorsements for new stations. Commissioners at both meetings, as well as residents, have asked: where’s DDOT? Why aren’t they here to answer questions? DDOT’s absence at these meetings is a significant contributing factor to delay votes and opposition.

Not only are the current seven members continuing to add stations - especially Prince George County, which isn't done with it's phased rollout, but the Fairfax City - GMU  - Vienna region is studying the feasibility of adding stations of their own. So far public support is strong, and it is feasible, but it will require concurrent improvements to the bicycle infrastructure and other support. 

The study recommends starting out with CaBi connections to Mason and Metro and then develop dockless in the future. The CaBi stations would start along Old Lee Highway as a spine. Getting it started would cost about $1M.

Slightly related, Arlington is studying dockless bikes and are accepting comments through the end of the month.

Comments

[Fernmug]

I'm delighted for the expansion in Prince George's. But why in the world aren't there plans for stations at all the metro stops?! (Hello? Prince George's Plaza metro station?)

[Fernmug]

And I have yet to see an CaBi ebike at any of the PG County stations. Are these only for DC and VA?

[Mike]

From what I have heard, they do plan to install stations at the metro stops, but the holdup is WMATA. Also, I know there was an ebike at the jefferson/route 1 station for a long time, but aren't all of ebikes out of service right now due to the braking issues?

[happyrider]

Adding all these stations are great, but I sure would like one at the Pentagon - one of the largest transit hubs in the region. I realize that the problem is probably PFPA, but I have ridden my bike to and from the Pentagon and taken transit countless times, so adding a bike share station should not be a problem. At the least, a station in Pentagon City near the tunnel under 395, or at Fern Street and Army Navy Drive would be an improvement.

[Adam]

I can't wait for more Prince George's stations. I wish they would hurry!