Successful DC Bikeshare Program Heading for the Suburbs

"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."