Capital Bikeshare

Capital Bikeshare is a station -based bike-sharing program in Washington, DC and neighboring communities. It was established in 2010 and has more than 1,500 bikes at 165 stations. Companies is Capital Bikeshare Alta Bicycleshare on behalf of the District Department of Transportation ( DDOT ).

History

Already in 2008 a first bike-sharing program was launched in Washington. Smart Bike DC was with 10 stations and 120 bicycles, the first program of its kind in North America. Smart Bike DC was operated by Clear Channel and are technically the program Bicing in Barcelona. Due to low numbers of users Smart Bike DC but was discontinued at the end of 2010.

At the same time, Arlington County Commuter Services planned the introduction of a separate program

On September 20, 2010 Capital Bikeshare was started with 110 stations and 1,100 bicycles.

Technology

The technique of the system ( including bicycles) from the makers PBSC Urban Solutions and corresponds to the Bixi system in Montreal.

The stations are powered by built-in solar panel with power and are modular. This different station sizes are possible to different requirements to meet ( depending on location ). By solar power and radio coverage, the stations of inpatient care are independent and can therefore be installed in every open space. The bicycles are a spur on the steering tube pushed horizontally into a corresponding groove on the station and then locked.

To borrow a sechstelliger code or transponder keys at each Fahrraddock must be entered either. Thereupon, can be pulled out, thus borrow the bike. To stop lending the bike is pushed back to any free dock and locks automatically.

The bikes themselves are striking red -painted and designed to be robust to prevent frequent defects. They have a three-speed hub gears ( Shimano Nexus ) and hub brakes with brake levers (no withdrawal). The LED lighting is directly into the frame, or the luggage rack integrated, and turns on automatically when driving a. The saddle height can be adjusted via a quick release. The tires are puncture resistant solid rubber and thus.

Finance and pricing

Unlike Smart Bike DC Capital Bike Share is not privately funded, but is supported in addition to the user fees by means Federal Highway Administration and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Therefore, neither the bikes still bear the stations advertising signs.

Also not only an annual or monthly membership is available to the user, but it can also memberships for 24 hours or three days be purchased directly at the stations.

Use of bicycles is for members each have 30 minutes free, then subject to additional fees, which increase more and more with time. However, it can have as many bikes are loaned one by one.

Numbers of users and extension

One year after opening, the one-millionth ride could be counted. Thus, the expectations of the initiators have been far exceeded. Over time, additional stations have been added in Washington County Arlington. Stations in other neighboring counties are planned ( in Maryland) for the future.

From the National Park Service first concern was expressed that stations would interfere with the monumental character of the National Mall, so there, and in all other areas administered by the NPS, initially no stations have been established. Later this view was revised.