Vast Bikeshare Network Coming to DC and Arlington

WASHINGTON - Local leaders in Arlington and D.C. expect to install a vast bike sharing network in both jurisdictions in about two months.

Currently, D.C. offers a bike sharing service called SmartBike with nine locations. In early September, that system will be replaced with a program called Capital Bikeshare, which will offer bikes at 100 locations in D.C. and at 14 more locations in and around Crystal City in Arlington.

More than 1,110 bikes will be available for rental from solar-powered kiosks. Many of the kiosks will be located near Metrorail stations. Users can pay with a credit card. Bikes will rent for $5 for a one day membership that allows multiple rides a day as long as each ride is under a 1/2 hour.

Users will be able to buy monthly or annual memberships that allow riding the first 1/2 hour for free.  The second 1/2 hour for $3 and after that $6 per 1/2 hour.

The shared bicycles will be based on a system in use in Montreal. During the warmer months, 4,000 bikes are available for rent in that Canadian city. It is so popular, the program is expected to soon expand to 5,000 shared bikes.

For more information, go to https://www.smartbikedc.com/how_to_use_smartbike.asp