they still need one at the pentagon.

by dd on Apr 20, 2011 11:58 am • link • report

As far as I can tell, there are 55 stations on the list (a quick count). Most, if not all of them seem like worthy contenders.

However, they *do* need to work on capacity/balancing issues. If anything, this might be more important than expanding outward for now. Right now, huge swaths of the U Street/Columbia Heights area have *no* bikes. (Actually, there are almost no bikes anywhere north of M Street)

by andrew on Apr 20, 2011 12:02 pm • link • report

David, you should update the link to the online map to the following, because DDOT's website has it buried in a paragraph:
http://ddotfiles.com/CaBi_Expansion/

by MLD on Apr 20, 2011 12:03 pm • link • report

MLD: Fixed, thanks. I also added an image of the central DC part of the map.

by David Alpert on Apr 20, 2011 12:05 pm • link • report

Where do we provide feedback on the proposed stations?

by Mark on Apr 20, 2011 12:19 pm • link • report

Mark, info on commenting on the plan is here.

by Gavin on Apr 20, 2011 12:21 pm • link • report

35MB PDF file?

Georgetown seems very underserved. granted M st is a mess and bikes should be banned there. But you could do more to place bikes around georgetown so you can get there and drop them off then walk.

Better coordination with Arlington in terms of getting in and out of the district.

Are there new bike going with the new proposed stations?

by charlie on Apr 20, 2011 12:21 pm • link • report

Just out of curiosity, why the (Yes!) after 17th and Church for a suggested location?

by Brandon on Apr 20, 2011 12:22 pm • link • report

I'm pleased to see CaBi expand, and I'm sure most of the stations make sense. But I'm surprised to see 5 new stations east of the river, despite scoring very low on DDOT's own metrics and the current stations in these areas being among the least used. Meanwhile, there are other parts of town that rank similarly on the metrics but have no stations currently and none proposed, like large areas around Takoma and Fort Totten. If they're trying to "grow" into less-dense areas, why wouldn't there be stations in both areas?

by Gavin on Apr 20, 2011 12:24 pm • link • report

Brandon: That's the one closest to my house.

Mark, Gavin: I've added the email address to the post.

by David Alpert on Apr 20, 2011 12:34 pm • link • report

Thrilled about Connecticut and Nebraska (Politics and Prose). Next steps would be Friendship Heights and Chevy Chase, DC). This would link in nicely to the existing Tenleytown and Cleveland Park stations.

I would echo the concerns about balancing, but this is something DDOT is addressing already.

by Andrew on Apr 20, 2011 12:38 pm • link • report

I agree with andrew. CaBi is having serious problems with distributing bikes, and should perhaps concentrate on that issue before expanding even more. The new stations in the R-B corridor are all but empty (I took the last one at N. Pierce), and the stations closest to Farragut and McPherson (14th & H NW, 15th & NY NW, 19th & Penn NW) have been empty most of the mornings for the past couple of weeks. Now this morning I noticed 3 bikes at Foggy Bottom, which used to be one guaranteed spot for bikes.

by OX4 on Apr 20, 2011 12:39 pm • link • report

I wish them luck keeping that station at Wisconsin & Reservoir filled.

by A different Mark on Apr 20, 2011 12:40 pm • link • report

@Andrew,

Redistributing the bikes is a serious challenge; to see how they're doing here are systemwide looks at dock and bike depletion across the day (updated hourly) as well as for previous day.

Data comes from their XML feed but the analysis is not in way official; for the lists above the system is checked at five minute intervals and consecutive reports of a station being empty or full are assumed to represent a persistent condition which may or may not be the actual case.  When no stations are empty or full you will see a pretty green stripe running down the list.

by cabi addict on Apr 20, 2011 12:40 pm • link • report

I'd also like to see some more stations around Fort Totten and Takoma to connect down to Brookland.
Whats the progress on expanding to Alexandria in Old Town and Carlyle?

by Z on Apr 20, 2011 12:41 pm • link • report

Can someone please explain the huge CaBi deadzone from 9th to 16th Streets NW from I St. to Mass ave?

This whole area is stuffed full of offices and not a single CaBi location.

I would have expected to see a station proposed at the McPherson Square Metro at 15th and I, or a stop somewhere on K street in this stretch (more central than the proposed 11th and K location).

by Devoe on Apr 20, 2011 12:41 pm • link • report

Note the massive hole that remains between Shaw and Logan -- specifically between 14th and 7th and between Mass and U. Lots of people in that neighborhood want bikes but need to walk 1/2 mile or more to get one.

Density, as you've noted many times, is key. So, increasing density as they are doing is great.

by Yoav on Apr 20, 2011 12:49 pm • link • report

This is great but too bad the Govinator didn't use one of the Capital Bikeshare bikes when he was pedaling around DC yesterday.

by Ben on Apr 20, 2011 12:53 pm • link • report

While this is good to spread out more in the city, I'd also like to see them propose better coverage of the big locations: 14th & U, 14th & Irving, 18th and Columbia, Wisconsin & M are places that could definitely have a second station added. I am glad to see that Dupont Circle is getting a second, badly needed one. Basically, every metro stop should have station, but then also one in neighborhood around the metro.

by Patrick on Apr 20, 2011 12:57 pm • link • report

I'm not quite sure I get why CB is so popular... maybe you can help me. The rates look crazy outrageous, especially with a $75 yearly fee (you could actually buy a bike for that.) Also why did SmartBike tank, and CB increase?

by Jennifer B on Apr 20, 2011 12:58 pm • link • report

Think we should use the proper term "embiggen" when inviting people to click to make something bigger. Just saying.

This is great news. Rode one yesterday from Smithsonian to Capitol South. Was probably faster than the train, since I didn't have to wait for the train and the end points were closer to where I was coming from/going to.

by Michael Perkins on Apr 20, 2011 12:59 pm • link • report

Why Georgia and Hobart instead of farther up and right in between those two Georgia ave stations?

by Shawn on Apr 20, 2011 1:01 pm • link • report

Hmm. DDOT seems to be relying on the ACS population estimates -- which aren't very good for smaller areas - as well as the bike to work category -- which isn't very accurate either.

by charlie on Apr 20, 2011 1:01 pm • link • report

@Jennifer B:

To put it bluntly, if you're paying anything above the yearly fee, you're doing it wrong. Also, does your $75 bike maintain itself and come when you call it? :)

by oboe on Apr 20, 2011 1:05 pm • link • report

@charlie:

Even worse than Georgetown being underserved is the total lack of any transportation investment in Glover Park. We're not getting a streetcar, there are no Circulator routes planned for Glover Park in DDOT's recent Transit Development Plan, and the only Capital Bikeshare station in this neighborhood is at the Guy Mason Park. As was noted on GGW the other week, the 30s buses can be very unreliable and WMATA wants to cut the N8 bus.

Two recommendations for Capital Bikeshare stations in Glover Park would be the park just north of Burleith on 37th Street and the corner of New Mexico and Tunlaw. This area is about a ten minute walk to Wisconsin Avenue, so a bikeshare station here would better connect residents with the 30s buses and businesses on Wisconsin Avenue, as well as providing a connection with American University.

by Ben on Apr 20, 2011 1:06 pm • link • report

@Jennifer B -- I have used my membership about 35 times in the last month or so, and none of my trips have cost me anything. The pricing is structures so people don't take the bikes on joyrides all day, keeping them out of the rotation for short-trip riders in the dense downtown areas.

by CBGB on Apr 20, 2011 1:06 pm • link • report

@Jennifer B:

Any bike you buy for $75 is probably not safe to ride on. Compared to the price of Metro, if you use Capital Bikeshare twenty times, it will likely pay for itself.

by Ben on Apr 20, 2011 1:09 pm • link • report

@Ben; I've only ridden thru Glover park, using the stations at the Circle and S. Safeway. But being on a hill probably ins't helping.

@@Jennifer B; one way trip. You can't do that with a bike you own.

by charlie on Apr 20, 2011 1:14 pm • link • report

Can someone please explain the huge CaBi deadzone from 9th to 16th Streets NW from I St. to Mass ave?

This.

by EJ on Apr 20, 2011 1:17 pm • link • report

I totally agree with Yoav. The area east of Logan Circle between Mass Ave and U Street should be prime locations.

by Adam L on Apr 20, 2011 1:25 pm • link • report

EJ:
Is "This." supposed to be a link? It's not coming through as one.
I would love to know the answer to the deadzone question.

by pinkshirt on Apr 20, 2011 1:26 pm • link • report

Can someone please explain the huge CaBi deadzone from 9th to 16th Streets NW from I St. to Mass ave?

CaBi is solar powered, and that area is where the sun don't shine. People are constantly sticking things there - usually by request.

by David C on Apr 20, 2011 1:27 pm • link • report

Honk if you agree that there should be at least one station on Mass. Ave in the 2.5 mile stretch between Dupont circle and AU. Wow! What an omission. I plan to send DOT an email; unfortunately, I doubt it will help.

by Scoot on Apr 20, 2011 1:30 pm • link • report

@David, How are they going to fit a station at 17th and Church? The northwest and southwest corners are too narrow, and the northeast and southeast one already have patios. (Granted the southeast one didn't get used by the last tenant, but now that's the building's being renovated I'd expect a new tenant would want to use it ... like the restaurant that was in there before the pharmacy.) Additionally, isn't it only a block from the station in front of the Safeway?

by Lance on Apr 20, 2011 1:30 pm • link • report

My guess is that the area east of Logan Circle b/t Mass & U lacks good commercial areas to put stations at? WOudl be much more controversial to put one right next to someone's house vs. a commercial building or business.

by Mony on Apr 20, 2011 1:33 pm • link • report

Oh - and I forgot to add that having another station right by McPherson Square would be excellent. It seems like such a natural idea for people to take the 15th Street bike lane to catch the Blue/Orange line. I have done this a number of times, especially on weekends when transfers can take forever. There is a nice piece of property right on the corner of Vermont Avenue and I Street at the Export-Import Bank. GSA has been helpful with locating Capital Bikeshare on federal non-NPS property before. This seems like a no-brainer.

by Adam L on Apr 20, 2011 1:33 pm • link • report

Maybe they'll put one in front of the section of JR's that is required to be empty as part of its voluntary agreement (between Pizza 17 and JR's). Also happy for that location since I'm steps away.

by Mony on Apr 20, 2011 1:34 pm • link • report

@pinkshirt. "This." has become an accepted way to express agreement or encouragement of an idea. Kind of like "Me Too" used to be before it got annoying.

by Michael Perkins on Apr 20, 2011 1:36 pm • link • report

@Jennifer B

You aren't the only one making that mistake concerning rates. Many of my friends I have tried to introduce to CaBi have said the same thing. Maybe DDOT is not explaining it well or maybe the rates on the station are not so clear, but the half-hour limit, as everyone else has said, is to encourage short commutes only. Most people, especially those who don't ride, are quite suprised how far you can get in 30 min on a bike.

The annual $75 fee is nothing when you compare it to what you save over cabs, metro, and bus. And for a lot of DC's restaurant and bar patrons, you can easily blow $75 in a weekend, which, surprisingly, is how I convince most of my friends to join.

by cmc on Apr 20, 2011 1:36 pm • link • report

@Lance They could put one against the railing by where the Blockbuster used to be here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=17th+st+nw,+20036&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=54.401733,79.013672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=17th+St+NW,+Washington+D.C.,+District+of+Columbia+20036&ll=38.909853,-77.038493&spn=0.013207,0.01929&z=16&layer=c&cbll=38.909955,-77.038494&panoid=yq3N98bPAa9W4nvFmMFedg&cbp=12,112.29,,0,11.39

by Church St Guy on Apr 20, 2011 1:37 pm • link • report

I am sympathetic to the fears of overloading the system, but I think they're misplaced. Adding stations makes the situation better since it means that if you arrive at a station and there are no bikes or no docks, you had a shorter trip to a station that does. This facilitates more circulation. Yes, if all the stations in one area are being used too much in one direction, it will case a problem. But having more stations will encourage more users who hopefully have different use patterns. Either way, I don't see how adding stations will cause more problems.

by TM on Apr 20, 2011 1:38 pm • link • report

@ Church St Guy. Yeah, but wouldn't that be '17th and P' then?

by Lance on Apr 20, 2011 1:43 pm • link • report

Also, more stations are a good alternative to making stations bigger. At 17th and Corcoran, the station is heavily used and sometimes full or empty, but there is no room to expand it because it plus the bike racks take up the whole blank wall of the Safeway between the front door and the loading dock.

Even if they could expand it, adding another station 2 short blocks away might be better because some people will have a shorter walk to the new station (like me!). But they're close enough that anyone who gets to one and finds it full/empty can easily just go to the other.

by David Alpert on Apr 20, 2011 1:44 pm • link • report

More/added stations in the Farragut/McPherson and U Street areas would be good (as well as the 'dead zone' mentioned above).

For the links to the CaBi usage, any idea why the 4th/Mass station is not shown? That is the one I use most often (along with 14th/G).

by Mase on Apr 20, 2011 1:52 pm • link • report

EPA and Silver Spring Metro.

by Redline SOS on Apr 20, 2011 1:59 pm • link • report

-the 6th/H NE should move north to 6th/K NE.
-The 11th/H NE should be moved west to 8th/H NE.

by jason on Apr 20, 2011 2:07 pm • link • report

Overall I think it is a good plan and I’m glad they went for more infill then trying to push out the boundaries to far. A couple thoughts:
• Those extra EOTR stations are going to cause a lot of heartburn.
• That is high cluster of stations in Foggy Bottom on 23rd street. What about moving one a block or two east.
• Love the two new stations on H street. Cabi is the only way I go to H Street now.
• The greater Cap Hill is getting a lot of stations and the infill around Staunton Park is good. But another station closer to Lincoln Park would have been nice. Or at least increase the dock size of Lincoln Park as part of this. I have almost given up using the system on weekday mornings getting a bike there is just unreliable.
• Georgetown seems to be underserved. Is that due to ANC opposition or just nobody goes there. :-)

by Keith on Apr 20, 2011 2:09 pm • link • report

I've tried the e-mail twice and it bounces back. Anyone else having that problem?

by belmontmedina@gmail.com on Apr 20, 2011 2:10 pm • link • report

@Ben, I like the idea of adding more stations in Glover Park as well as expanding in Georgetown. I think the problem right now is most of the space in Glover Park is surrounding residences, and the reality that CaBi stations aren't really "hang-out spots" hasn't reached all potential opponents in the neighborhoods yet.

As far as the spot that you mention, at 37th and Whitehaven, I think it's problematic as it is part of Glover Archbold Park (an extension of Rock Creek) and therefore National Park Service Property. It's possible that the property across the street is not NPS controlled--which would make it ideal--but I believe it is as well. The next two spots that seem promising for GP are Stoddert Playground, and something toward the bottom of the hill on New Mexico/Tunlaw (maybe outside the 4000 Tunlaw Apartments and community garden?).

As to Georgetown, Wisconsin/Reservoir is good, but there should also be another station on Wisconsin, near Dumbarton (five guys), O (CVS) or P (Marvelous Market) streets. The sidewalks are tight, but there are small parcels of real estate to could make any of those, or Hyde-Addison, work. It would also be good to have stations on the east and west ends of M Street in Georgetown, particularly the West end, as a connection to the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.

All that said, I think 2 (3 maximum) spots in Georgetown/Glover Park are about what's reasonable to expect in "the next 25" round, given the current crunches in other parts of the city.

In an ideal world, I'd hope the University could kick in some funds to add one or two more stations on/near campus, which could add to capacity, outside of the DDOT 25. (I'm wondering if that's what might be happening at GWU, given the huge number of potential stations down in Foggy Bottom).

by Jacques on Apr 20, 2011 2:14 pm • link • report

@belmontmedina -- I had that issue too, which is the difference between clicking on the link and copy-pasting.

Try sending to "Chris.Holben@dc.gov" with "Capital Bikeshare Expansion 2011" as your subject line. (That's what comes up when you hover over the link in the press release).

by Jacques on Apr 20, 2011 2:16 pm • link • report

Rhode Island & 1st St NW PLEASE!

by Peter on Apr 20, 2011 2:24 pm • link • report

@jacques; I find the GWU stations a bit strange as well.

There is a lot of bike traffic in the area, but the only place where I get a really weird eye on bikeshare in down in gworld. perhaps they are confused by an old guy who is not a student on a bike?

You've got a station at Trader Joes, but on on M st and one near Rose Park on the M st side would be good. As I said, Georgetown has real limits on bikes -- walking is better -- but as it is you're being dropped off quite a distance from georgetown proper.

by charlie on Apr 20, 2011 2:26 pm • link • report

@ Keith -- Agree totally that infill is needed. We have a huge deadzone in NE Capitol Hill from Stanton Park/Maryland Ave north to H Street.

by Hill North on Apr 20, 2011 2:26 pm • link • report

@ Adam L - a location at McPherson Sq at Vermont and Eye would go a long way to reducing the north-dowtown CaBi deadzone. Plus the automobile traffic down there is always light, even at the height of rush hour, plus it would be amazing to be able to hit the farmer's market after work on thursdays and bike home on 15th st.

@ David C - I can't imagine the SE corner of Vermont and Eye is hurting for sunlight, though that is an interesting point. Surely there must be a place or two in addition to the McPherson Square location in the nearly 30 square block dead zone with enough sun for a station.

by Devoe on Apr 20, 2011 2:29 pm • link • report

@jason Agree on 6th & H. Actually, it makes very little sense (apart from visibility) to have these stations *on* H at all, given that G and I are both vastly more accommodating to cyclists than H is.

Disagree somewhat on 11th & H. Lots of businesses in that area.

I hope my first comment didn't get misconstrued. I'm definitely in favor of adding additional stations where they are in demand, rather than continually expanding old ones (although it's likely far cheaper to do so). Given that the system is already at 100% capacity in some areas, it makes sense to work toward satisfying demand where it already exists.

The fact that usage is very high in Columbia Heights is encouraging, because it shows that added density causes an multiplicative increase in ridership.

Maybe Bixi can develop "neighborhood stations" that don't include a kiosk, and are therefore a bit cheaper to install for cases where there's another station less than 2 blocks away?

by andrew on Apr 20, 2011 2:31 pm • link • report

@andrew

You need the Kiosk - that's where the solar panel is, as well as the batteries the solar panels charge.

I seem to recall reading that one of those kiosks, however, can power a very large station (something like 100 docks maybe?).

by Alex B. on Apr 20, 2011 2:34 pm • link • report

Regarding the 17th & Church actual location. I imagine it will be on Church St itself east of 17th since that's essentially an ally.

Oh and more stations in Bloomingdale/Eckington please!

by JohnDC on Apr 20, 2011 2:37 pm • link • report

Devoe, I was half kidding, but isn't there a proposed station in the "deadzone" at 11th and K. So that fills it in a little. I do remember at a BAC meeting them talking about the difficulty of finding places that meet the size and sunlight limits.

by David C on Apr 20, 2011 2:38 pm • link • report

@Mase,

The depletion list only shows stations that have run out bikes or docks at some point since midnight.

by cabi addict on Apr 20, 2011 2:39 pm • link • report

What might be a nice enhancement for Bixi is a solar panel that can be installed on a streetlight with a cable running back to the station. Of course, I can already think of problems with that. Tiny windmills maybe? Or how about a Matt out front, across the sidewalk, that turns the walking of pedestrians who pass by into power. I seem to recall someone had that working. Or a tiny nuclear power plant. How could that go wrong?

by David C on Apr 20, 2011 2:41 pm • link • report

I seem to recall reading that one of those kiosks, however, can power a very large station (something like 100 docks maybe?).

ORLY? Net metering for CaBi!!! New revenue source.

by David C on Apr 20, 2011 2:43 pm • link • report

I would argue that new stations would best be used as in-fill for areas that are currently underserved. In addition to providing more circulation for nearby stations for shorter rides, it would also reduce the walk if a station is full while increasing CaBi's overall reach. Having two stations so close together at Dupont Circle could make sense because it's the busiest part of the system, but in general this would seem like a situation that's best avoided.

Why Georgia and Hobart instead of farther up and right in between those two Georgia ave stations?

The intersection is near a major crosstown route, at the intersection of two busy bus lines, both slated to become future streetcar lines. There's also a park there.

by Omar on Apr 20, 2011 2:45 pm • link • report

The next station on H Street NE shouldn't be at 6th or 11th, it should be at 8th. That is the main metrobus/streetcar hub and totally central to the future of the corridor which will be much more balanced from east to west. Just my opinion.

by Campy on Apr 20, 2011 3:15 pm • link • report

@Campy

Agreed, but that block is going to be under heavy construction for the next few years, between the streetcar substation, and the gigantic new building that will replace the extant strip mall there.

It'll make sense to put a station there once that's all done. For now, 6th & 11th work quite well.

by andrew on Apr 20, 2011 3:28 pm • link • report

@Omar The intersection is near a major crosstown route, at the intersection of two busy bus lines, both slated to become future streetcar lines. There's also a park there.

Yeah, good points. I just think it should be north of those crosstown routes and maybe across from the park instead of south of it.

by Shawn on Apr 20, 2011 3:29 pm • link • report

(Caveat: I'm not a bicyclist - never learned to ride - but that don't mean I can't have opinions and stuff!)

Talking of potential extensions: what about further down from Alexandria, once Alexandria comes online? I know the National Park Service wouldn't be amenable to stops along the George Washington Parkway. But what about in some of the developments adjoining it? I can see the potential for people who live in the New Alexandria area to use the bikeshare; it's close enough to the Parkway's cycling path to be viable. It might not be the most convenient for people to get into DC, but once Alexandria City is online it would make traveling there more convenient, I should think.

by Ser Amantio di Nicolao on Apr 20, 2011 3:45 pm • link • report

16th/Euclid, 14th/Belmont, Georgia/Hobart and the Hospital Center all make a lot of sense for us up in the Heights. If a station gets a little closer to me than current stations at Georgia/Fairmont and 11th/Kenyon, I probably won't ever get anywhere in the city any other way.

by Patrick on Apr 20, 2011 3:46 pm • link • report

Hell YES near Federal Center SW!

:sends email:

:crosses fingers:

by yatesc on Apr 20, 2011 4:16 pm • link • report

I emailed that the spot just south of the CVS on O Street and Wisconsin would be ideal. The sidewalk there is at least 12 feet wide and is south facing. Would help cover the heart of Georgetown.

As for the comment about banning bikes on M street? What purpose would that serve other than attempting to turn it into even more of a Freeway?

by Boots on Apr 20, 2011 4:26 pm • link • report

@Boots @charlie -- I will occasionally ride on M Street (mostly during rush hour), and I've found that it's often easier, and faster, to navigate on a bike than in a car, so I don't have to worry about whether I'm slowing down traffic... the double-parked cars usually do a good job of that.

On the other hand, in non-rush hour, it makes more sense to cut through the back roads (N/O/P and 29/30/31) in the East Village, but even with that approach, it would be helpful to have some additional "destination" stations other than just Wisconsin south of the bridge, or the university.

by Jacques on Apr 20, 2011 4:32 pm • link • report

Boots suggestion of CVS is a good one.

Yes, M st during rush hour is quicker when using a bike. Of course, your weaving in between what is a traffic jam. Really pleasant in the summer. And don't get me started on the people who bike on the (narrow) sidewalks.

Encouraging the back road use is exactly what bikeshare could do best. NPS could disallow Rose Park and M, but there is room on N st there for a station as well.

by charlie on Apr 20, 2011 4:47 pm • link • report

There's a gap for commuters/office folk on the north side of McPherson, so vermont and K would be good. I'd love to see a new stations on 15th between I and W. It's dense already, but those stations get the most use, empty/fill quickly, and the cycle track makes it extremely convenient.

by Dean on Apr 20, 2011 4:50 pm • link • report

Pentagon, Bolling, Mcnair... why are there no CaBi locations at any of these places? Even just outside the main gates of the latter two would be fine...

by Andrew in DC on Apr 20, 2011 4:53 pm • link • report

@Andrew in DC -- this is just a guess, but if it's hard to get through the red tape with NPS, I can only imagine what the process would be like to get it approved through DoD to have one adjacent to a base.

(I realize that NPS is a vendor-contract issue, not a security one, but I feel like each supplies its own paperwork challenges).

by Jacques on Apr 20, 2011 5:23 pm • link • report

And that would have to be an Arlington station that would ONLY be used for commuting. So far Arlington's gotten help from BIDs and such, there is no Pentagon BID

by David C on Apr 20, 2011 5:26 pm • link • report

@DavidC; is that true? I mean Crystal City got BID money, but has the Rosslyn BID kicked in for those stations. And I seem to remember the planned 30+ R-B corridor stations coming from general county money, not BID money.

You raise a tangential point. Let's say an apartment building wanted a station. If you go on the contract, that would be 50K + about 15K a year for the bikes. Way too much. IS there a way for Alta to sell them a dock -- no bikes -- for say 15K total. That might be a better way to bring in more site specific locations. I can't imagine the docks really cost that much....

by charlie on Apr 20, 2011 8:42 pm • link • report

You're right, the R-B stations do not include any BID money that I know of. Still, a Pentagon station would mostly support commuters going to work at the Pentagon. While the stations they've put in have helped local residents go to local businesses.

by David C on Apr 20, 2011 9:05 pm • link • report

I would join and commute using cabi if there were some stations near my work in silver spring. I know they aren't on board with cabi yet but some stations could be placed along the border at georgia and alaska and 16th and colesville. Also one at takoma park metro makes sense. I know we need more in the core but there are some obviouse commuter routes that could use some stations. Is there one at walter reed yet?

by Johnny on Apr 20, 2011 9:38 pm • link • report

Data released by Lydia Depillis (WCP Housing Complex) today notes that zip code 20002 has the second highest membership of all zips covered by bikeshare, but there is a significant gap on the NE side of the Hill.

A station at 18&D or 18&C NE would fill the gap and likely be used significantly, given what the data tells us.

by Rob on Apr 20, 2011 9:41 pm • link • report

+1000 for everyone encouraging CaBi mentions of the "dead zone". I get off at McPherson square and head north everyday - walking along the 15th St bike lane. We need a CaBi station!

Also, as mentioned in a previous conversation - there is a great spot for a CaBi station on Maine Ave SW between 14th and 15th street - that would go a great way towards serving the mall area and commuters from Crystal/Pentagon City. A little more pressure from CaBi users would go a long way towards speeding up the process of getting the Treasury Bureau to approve the station.

by Jess on Apr 20, 2011 10:34 pm • link • report

happy Capitol Hill is getting more, though I wonder why two stations would be so close to each other: 6th and C and 7th and D. Why not have one at Maryland and 8th?

by lou on Apr 21, 2011 9:52 am • link • report

U Street is always out of bikes in the morning. Another rack should be added between 13th-11th Streets, or extend the one at 10th and U street.

by Bbohnet on Apr 21, 2011 10:27 am • link • report

Is the problem with distribution of bikes simply that nobody wants to ride the bikes uphill? People are riding the bikes down from NW and then taking the bus/Metro back?

by Ben P on Apr 21, 2011 11:04 am • link • report

@Ben P:

Not necessarily, it's more a matter of bikes tending to flow towards the central business district as commuters go to work, and away as they come home (or similar dynamics for, say, a large event on the Mall).

To take topography out of the equation, look at Capitol Hill: the Lincoln Park rack is effectively empty by 9am, and the Eastern Market metro rack is full. The reverse happens in the evening as commuters come home. Obviously just adding capacity won't help if there's unserved demand--you either end up with no place to put the bike on the other end, or you end up with ever-increasing rack sizes, but are left with the empty-full problem.

by oboe on Apr 21, 2011 12:03 pm • link • report

Yeah, if you watch the animation of the bikes, they move more like tides. Into the CBD in the morning and out in the evening. They move to where people are. And redistributing is tough because they are most needed when traffic is bad, so rebalancing takes time.

The best solution is to increase supply to meet demand. Second best option it to attach giant bungee cords to the bike so that when you're done it just snaps back to the station where you got it from.

by David C on Apr 21, 2011 1:25 pm • link • report

They should go where the highest users are, whether that be beginning or ending rides. Then let new stations flow to new areas as more outreach to increase users in under-used areas.

by greent on Apr 21, 2011 4:02 pm • link • report

@Devoe @Dean +1 Why the McPherson Square/Franklin Park dead zone? I've been begging for one in this area through the official commenting process, but it seems to be for naught.

by Liz P on Apr 21, 2011 8:05 pm • link • report

Georgetown seems to be underserved. Is that due to ANC opposition or just nobody goes there. :-)

Just the opposite. The Georgetown ANC is the only one to my knowledge that passed a resolution proactively requesting up to 4 additional stations, with recommended locations that are actually in the community as opposed to the periphery as the current 4 and proposed 2 stations are.

CaBi supporters in Georgetown like Topher and I drummed up support for this resolution because DDOT told CaBi supporters that if we're tired of DDOT canceling stations when ANCs object, we need to lobby our ANCs. We did that and, inexplicably, DDOT just ignored our ANC's resolution and picked 2 problematic locations that we already considered and decided against.

The worst is the Rose Park location, where DDOT is just needlessly picking a fight with the Friends of Rose Park, who DDOT knows will actively oppose it. So much for telling CaBi supporters to rally support with their ANCs.

Our locations were (1) Hyde-Addison on O & Potomac, (2) Jackson Arts Center on R, (3) M & Pennsylvania and (4) parking spaces in front of the Georgetown Library.

The Hyde location in particular makes tons of sense, and the Hyde principal has signed off on it. It's visible from Wisconsin and it's convenient from bikers from the new Rosslyn stations to make a right up Potomac to Hyde.

by Ken Archer on Apr 22, 2011 9:36 am • link • report

@Ken Archer; not sure how a station at Hyde Park school is going to help with interconnect with Rosslyn. Isn't Potomac one way there -- the wrong way?

I'm assuming M and Penn is the little triangle by the gas station across from four seasons? Something at the bottom of Rose Park makes more sense for me rather than the top (P Street).

And Jackson arts and then the library? A bit close together. I think the real value is putting stations near Wisc and P or Q, which would let people get into Dupont very easily.

by charlie on Apr 22, 2011 9:56 am • link • report

@charlie,

I agree that a location to the south of Rose Park makes more sense than one at the north end of Rose. So does the ANC and so does Friends of Rose Park. We tried to help DDOT avoid neighborly opposition by securing support for locations - and DDOT has ignored us and picked a fight with Friends of Rose Park. Topher and I are unlikely to help DDOT out if it wants to pick pointless fights with our neighbors.

As to Hyde School location, you would go north on 33rd and south on either Potomac or, if you want a bike lane, 34th.

I would certainly use a Hyde location to commute to Rosslyn.

by Ken Archer on Apr 22, 2011 11:16 am • link • report

Definitely needed in SW at Federal Center Station and one at 4th and G Street SW next to Amidon Baseball field. Not sure if there would be enough sunlight given all the trees but 4th and G would have a lot of user density. The Waterfront/SEU metro station CABI station is a bit far for those of us who live closer to federal center SW station.

by AW on Apr 22, 2011 12:25 pm • link • report

@Ken Archer; right, I was thinking more of coming INTO georgetown from Rosslyn. Hyde School not ideal there; that turn from M to 33rd not fun on a bike. Gtown cupcake traffic not helping! Bikstation at FSKey park would be nice -- or perhaps on 33rd below M by the parking lot.

I'm pretty neutral on the Rose Park thing. I do think bikes could be better used by 27th rather than the path -- it is crowded and lots of dogs/strollers.

by charlie on Apr 22, 2011 12:36 pm • link • report

On the one hand, people complain that CaBi is being overwhelmed by commute flows; on the other hand, we have people specifically requesting stations for their workplaces. Some balance may have to be found, but I don't think that stations located at isolated, single-use facilities are a good way to keep the bikes circulating more than twice a day.

Just to be clear (and @Keith in particular), the "potential" CB stations above are potential, not proposed -- where there are a bunch in one place, as along NW 23rd by Foggy Bottom Metro, that's just because they're evaluating a few site options for one station.

by Payton on Apr 22, 2011 8:37 pm • link • report

@Ken

Are you sure your desired locations were workable on technical grounds? CaBi station locations are quite flexible, but there nevertheless are some technical requirements for space, clearance, sunlight, and a set zone where the station itself will not cover any utility access, manhole covers, etc.

If you're proposing sidewalk locations, the sidewalk might not be wide enough at that location to support a station and provide sufficient space for walking, trees, etc. Then, an alternative would be to put the station in the street and remove a few parking spaces.

by Alex B. on Apr 22, 2011 9:31 pm • link • report

I like that there are stations at each end of the 15th Street bikeway. A lot of people commute the entire distance.

Generally I think that each end of the busiest traveled part of a bike lane makes a perfect free 30-minute commute.

by Tom Coumaris on Apr 23, 2011 10:30 am • link • report

The Takoma metro would be nice. I know it's on the periphery of the network but I live there and I'm sure it would get use. The Fort Totten and Friendship Heights metros also don't have stations. I hope Montgomery County gets involved in this.

by Nick on Apr 24, 2011 10:29 am • link • report

Ledroit Park could use a station as well as P and 22nd.

by Jeff on Apr 24, 2011 10:58 am • link • report

7th St NE under the Franklin Street Bridge, right where the MBT goes from trail to street. You can put the station right in front of the future home of Chocolate City Brewing. Bikeshare to get your growlers filled.

by Josh on Apr 25, 2011 10:01 pm • link • report

If people on average will walk up to a quarter mile to a bus stop, how far will they walk to a bikeshare? My nearest bikeshare is at least half-a-mile away and the bus stop is half that distance, up and down hill. Neither compares with 6 feet to the car on a cold or rainy day.

by jonah on Apr 26, 2011 11:28 pm • link • report

Now that they've expanded 17th & Corcoran, the one I'm most looking forward to is one of the three spots near Federal Center SW. Any one of those would shave five minutes off my morning commute.

(FWIW, I haven't been complaining about people using CaBi for commuting purposes. That seems to be much of the point.)

by Kevin on Apr 27, 2011 9:57 am • link • report