Blog | Arlington Transportation Partners

ATP's Top 10 Bikeshare Facts

Written by Maggie Awad | November 12, 2015

For #ATPfam, Capital Bikeshare isn't just another red bike. It's a transit system, an easy addition to your commute, your personal ride, a quick option, and a great benefit for employers. So what do you actually know about Capital Bikeshare? Here are 10 facts to get you started.

 

We use the term “facts” loosely in this blog, but all things read in the next three minutes are true.

10. Capital Bikeshare Was Almost Named George

Yep, like the big G-Dubs.

9. It's Our Go-To Mode

"No trip is too small. I often ride it as little as half a mile just because it will save me one to two minutes.” – Jonathan

 

8. Meet the System's Hardest Working Bike

The system’s hardest working bike—W20167has a special banner that lets you know you found it! W20167 is also a tweeting machine. #BusyBike

7. Patience Is Handy

Highly used stations that are empty or full will often be available within five minutes, so you don’t always need to walk to the next nearest dock!

6. You Can Avoid Overage Fees by Dock Surfing

Much like couch surfing, but you don’t have to sleep on a couch. Just dock and undock your bike to restart your free 30-minute ride if you have annual membership.

5. Hey Girl, What’s Been Your Fastest Trip?

“Two minutes and 42 seconds! To go 0.44 miles to the dock in front of my BFF’s apartment.” - Keara

4. Capital Bikeshare Gets Festive

Every year during the Cherry Blossom Festival, a lone pink bike called Bike in Bloom, enters the system. ATP fam ran outside our office to snap a picture before it was snatched from the station. But wait, how did we know it was there? We've got friends in high places.

3. It's a Great Option for First/Last Mile Scenarios

“I live nearly a mile from the closest Metro station. Capital Bikeshare makes it very quick and easy to get to Metro. I could either walk or wait for a bus to get me to a Metro station but bikeshare is significantly faster.” - Brendan

2. It Speeds Up Your Commute

In August, we held our first ever Amazing Commute Race, Capital Bikeshare came in second. First place went to Uber, but our Bikeshare contestant was showered and ready before three other modes made it into the office. Impressive!

 

1. You Can Totes Track All Your Trips

Log into your account on CapitalBikeshare.com. In fact, here are ATP’s numbers:

  • Total number of trips taken: 1,156
  • Total distance traveled: 1,226 miles
  • Total CO2 reduced: 831.5 lbs

Get Your Own Membership 

If you want to start biking, you can register online, in person at any Arlington County Commuter Store, or by mail. We can help you if you have any other questions, whether you want a personal membership, or corporate memberships for your employees.

Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners