Capital Bikeshare hopes to expand access to biking with its new Capital Bikeshare for All program
For some people interesting in biking, there are significant barriers. A major one is the cost of the bike itself as well as routine bike maintenance, security, clothing and other equipment. The introduction of Capital Bikeshare helped lower some of those barriers but the for some, the yearly upfront cost of a yearly or monthly membership is still too high.
District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has acknowledged this and created a program called Community Partners, which allowed eligible low income users to access bikeshare. In a press release, DDOT stated that it and its six partner jurisdictions have launched the Capital Bikeshare for All program, what it calls a major upgrade to Capital Bikeshare’s equity program.
Capital Bikeshare for All, apparently in partnership with Lyft as users register on a site managemed by Lyft, offers a $5 annual membership to riders who qualify for certain state or federal assistance programs with appropriate documentation. The major difference is that now riders who qualify for the program are now able to sign up individually, rather than coordinating with a community organization, which still can be done.
While most barriers are lowered, the program still has some impediments. According to the Bikeshare website, if someone would like to pay with cash, it appears that they need to travel to partner location that accepts cash. The only locations listed are in Virginia. Additionally, if someone signs up using the program’s website, users must provide a cellphone number.
That said, the new program offers some key new changes:
- Bikes available 24/7/365 throughout service area
- Unlimited rides, with the first 60 minutes of each trip includes
- No usage fees for e-bikes
- Residents of Montgomery County are eligible for $0 memberships
- Use more payment methods including prepaid cards, credit and debit cards, or cash (at in-person sign up locations only)
“Capital Bikeshare for All expands access to one of our region’s most affordable, reliable transportation options for thousands of our neighbors,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian in a statement released by DDOT.