Capital Bikeshare is the largest bike sharing program in the United States. The regional program provides more than 1600 bicycles distributed at more than 180 locations throughout Washington DC and Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia. With the installation of bike lanes, bike signs, and Capital Bikeshare, the country’s capital has become the most bike-friendly city in the country. The program provides convenient bicycle access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Capital Bikeshare is similar to a system from the Montreal-based Public Bike System Company (PBSC), commonly known as BIXI. The BIXI system has been operating in Montreal since 2009 and was recently launched in Minneapolis, London and Melbourne, Australia. BIXI bike sharing stations are solar powered and use wireless technology to allow easy setup and adjustments.
How the Capital Bikeshare program works
- Register online, by phone, or at a Bikeshare kiosk. A credit or debit card is required. You can sign up for annual, 24-hour, and 30-day memberships.
- For a 24 hour membership, you will receive an unlock code. For annual and 30-day memberships, you will receive a key in the mail.
- Enter the unlock code or use your key and remove a bike. The first 30 minutes of any ride are free. Usage fees will apply for longer trips. Please note that this program is intended to function as a transportation alternative. For recreational cycling, it is probably cheaper to rent a bike from local bike rental facilities.
- Return the bike to any Capital Bikeshare dock. If the nearest bike dock is full, enter your code or key and you will get an additional 15 minutes to return the bike.
Capital Bikeshare Membership
Membership options include 24-hour, 3-day, 30-day, and annual memberships. To enroll, visit www.capitalbikeshare.com.
Bikeshare Capital Management
Alta Bicycle Share operates the DC program. Alta Bicycle Share is a US based company focused on the management and operation of shared bike systems globally. Its sister company, Alta Planning + Design, is the largest bicycle and pedestrian consulting firm in the United States. Alta Bicycle Share is implementing or consulting similar programs in Australia, Europe, China, and elsewhere in the United States.
