Successful DC Bikeshare Program Heading for the Suburbs

The runaway success of Washington D.C.'s bikeshare program, in less than two years of operation, has it poised to expand to the city's suburbs this year.

1 minute read

February 3, 2012, 7:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"Since its inception in 2010, the Capital Bikeshare program has grown more swiftly than almost anyone imagined. It has more than 1,100 bikes in more than 130 locations and 15,000 annual members," reports Ashley Halsey III.

Now the program is looking to expand into a more challenging market, the District's inner ring suburbs in Maryland and Virginia. And if all goes well, the system could expand even further outwards in years to come. A key to success, however, will be the extent to which suburban communities improve their bicycle infrastructure.

"A key reason the bike program has flourished in the District and Arlington has been the expansion of bike lanes and bike-related improvements to encourage cycling. As Bikeshare moves to areas outside the city, the same accommodations are important, said Shane Farthing, director of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association."

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

White bike symbol painted on green bike lane.

OKC Approves 7.2 Miles of New Bike Lanes

The city council is implementing its BikeWalkOKC plan, which recommends new bike lanes on key east-west corridors.

March 21 - Oklahoma City Free Press

Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas skyline with low-rise housing in foreground.

Preserving Houston’s ‘Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing’

Unsubsidized, low-cost rental housing is a significant source of affordable housing for Houston households, but the supply is declining as units fall into disrepair or are redeveloped into more expensive units.

March 21 - Urban Edge

Small tree in bloom with pink flowers in front of home in Toronto, Canada.

The Most Popular Tree on Google?

Meet Rodney: the Toronto tree getting rave reviews.

March 21 - Toronto Star