It’s been 12 years since Alexandria joined the Capital Bikeshare network and it’s starting to show on some of the city’s oldest stations.
After more than decade, some of the stations have started to show some wear and tear. A memo from Hillary Orr, deputy director of Transportation & Environmental Services, said after years of expansion the City of Alexandria is focusing this year on replacing some of those older stations.
“Additionally, 21 existing stations that are approaching the end of their useful life will be replaced and 9 additional new stations will be installed in the next year,” the Orr wrote.
Along with the replacement of the city’s oldest stations, the city is working on updating the bike maps to not only show all bikeshare locations, but also bike lanes, trails, significant uphill climbs, notable destinations and more.
There are currently 61 stations across the city, with the most recent installation at Mandeville Lane and Stovall Street last September.
Ridership grew steadily until it peaked at 85,707 riders in 2017. It declined from 2018 to 2021, but surged back last year.
“In the City, there were 5,735 trips per month on average in 2022 and 189 trips per day,” Orr wrote. “July had the highest rider total with 9,122 trips and 294 per day on average.”
The capital costs of bikeshare replacement are covered by VDOT grants and developer contributions.
“The City currently has approximately $750,000 in developer contributions and expects 4-5 new developments to be ready for a new station over the next year,” Orr wrote.
Capital Bikeshare has been rolling out several new bikeshare stations including a new station near the Bradlee Shopping Center in the heart of Alexandria.
The new station is at the intersection of King Street and W Braddock Road, just a few blocks from the station at Alexandria City High School and one at Radford Street and Osage Street.
https://twitter.com/bikeshare/status/1481644350501126155
Prior to this, the two most recent stations were installed in mid-December in Arlandria and Potomac Yard.
A full map of Capital Bikeshare stations around Alexandria is available online.
Singers wanted for older adults choir in Alexandria — “Encore Creativity for Older Adults (Encore), an arts education nonprofit, is hosting two 15-week choral programs for people 55 and over beginning the second week of January.” [Zebra]
Christmas in camp in Alexandria — “Fort Ward reenacts Civil War Christmas.” [Alexandria Gazette]
New Capital Bikeshare station in Alexandria — “New station alert! Check out this new, 11-dock station installed at Fillmore Avenue & Bisdorf Drive.” [Twitter]
Waterskiing Santa returns Dec. 24 — “Now in its 36th year, the Waterskiing Santa returns with his band of merry fellow waterskiing friends — and The Grinch.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
New Capital Bikeshare stations have recently been installed in Alexandria, with more on the way this month and next.
On Friday, Capital Bikeshare installed a new dock at S. Pickett Street and Shillings Street, near the Contempo NOVA (né Modera Tempo) apartments at 5760 Dow Avenue.
Later this month, Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) said new Capital Bikeshare stations are scheduled to be installed at:
- S. Jordan Street and Venable Avenue just off Duke Street, near Aldi
- Peyton Street and King Street in Old Town
Next month, T&ES said stations will be installed at:
- Edison Street and W. Reed Avenue in Arlandria
- King Street and Kenwood Avenue near Alexandria City High School
- S. Washington Street and Wilkes Street in Old Town
- E. Glebe Road and Main Line Blvd. in Potomac Yard
- Commonwealth Avenue and W Reed Avenue between Potomac Yard and Arlandria
A full map of all Capital Bikeshare locations across Alexandria is available online.
The City recently began its @bikeshare installation project! Check out this new station installed Friday on S. Pickett St. & Shillings St. This expansion project will add 17 new stations to the system and is funded by @VaDOT. For more information, visit https://t.co/oH2RzAW2Np. pic.twitter.com/NlYp3PL7rT
— Alexandria T&ES (@AlexandriaVATES) November 15, 2021
Photo via Capital Bikeshare
Capitol officer who committed suicide was from Alexandria — “Very sad news: @MikevWUSA @wusa9 reports MPD Officer Kyle DeFreytag died by suicide in July after defending the US Capitol on January 6. His obituary says he was a hiker, drummer, motorcyclist, and resident of Alexandria, who served with MPD for five years” [WUSA9]
Alexandria, neighboring health directors recommend wearing face masks indoors — “Today, all five Northern Virginia Health Directors issued a joint letter of interim recommendations for mask wearing in Northern Virginia. The letter was issued by Health Directors from the City of Alexandria, as well as Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties to Northern Virginia Mayors, Chairs and Chief Administrative Officers with the recommendation that individuals wear masks while indoors in government and other public settings, regardless of vaccination status.” [City of Alexandria]
Olympics update — Noah Lyles races today in the 200 meter final at 8:55 a.m., and Tynita Butts-Townsend competes in a high jump qualifier at 8 p.m. [ALXnow]
City makes September feedback deadline for making outdoor business programs permanent — “Programs include the closure of the 100 block of King Street to vehicles, the use of on-street parking spaces for dining, retail and fitness use and the curbside loading zones for customer pick-up of food and merchandise. City Council approved the initiatives in 2020 to provide safe opportunities to patronize and support City businesses during the challenging economic times associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary programs are in effect until January 1, 2022.” [City of Alexandria]
Traffic and Parking Board to vote on expanding Capital Bikeshare — “The existing bikeshare stations are located mostly in the eastern and northern regions of Alexandria, with plans to not only add more stations in Old Town but to also add several stations in the West End. In regard to the final seven bikeshare locations that have yet to be determined, Casey Kane, a member of the board, encouraged staff to prioritize locations around Holmes Run.” [AlexTimes]
Cat cafe sees 180 felines adopted in first year — “Mount Purrnon, Alexandria’s only cat café, has found fur-ever homes for 180 cats in its first year in business… The cafe area, separated from the cats (for obvious reasons), serves a variety of food, coffee and drinks. There is also free Wi-Fi and day/monthly passes for those who wish to telework from there. Regular special events include Jeopurrdy, meditation, and wine tastings.” [Alexandria Living]
Today’s weather — “Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 81F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph… Mostly clear (in the evening). Low 62F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Entry level computer programmer — “As the fastest growing employer of emerging tech talent across the U.S, Revature looks to hire over 300 innovative Entry Level Computer Programmers in the next 4 weeks.” [Indeed]
Capital Bikeshare is expanding into Alexandria’s West End, with three new stations scheduled to be installed in June.
The expansion is part of a seven-station growth planned to expand the bike infrastructure network across the West End.
According to a report headed to the Transportation Commission, the four recently installed stations are:
- South Whiting Street at Lane Drive
- North Hampton Drive at Ford Avenue
- Taney Avenue at North Howard Street
- Kenmore Avenue at Seminary Road
The three incoming stations will be located at:
- Fillmore Avenue at Bisdorf Drive, southeast corner (on-street)
- North Howard Street at North Imboden Street (on-street)
- Virginia Theological Seminary
Once this stage is completed, there will be a total of 44 Capital Bikeshare stations in Alexandria, but the City is hoping to expand that again if it can get the funding this fall.
According to the report:
Staff is continuing to work towards the next phase of expansion with VDOT funding, which is expected to begin in fall/winter 2021 and will increase the Capital Bikeshare system by an additional 17 stations. The remaining 9 stations funded by VDOT grant funding are expected to be installed in 2022/2023.
The bikeshare expansion is scheduled for review at the Wednesday, May 19, Transportation Commission meeting.
Beyer Introduces Legislation to Honor Slain Capitol Police Officer — “Officer Brian Sicknick was a hero who gave his life in service to his country. It is fitting that Congress honor his life, courage, and ideals. @RepBonnie and I just introduced bipartisan legislation to commemorate Officer Sicknick’s life and sacrifice.” [Twitter]
City Councilman John Taylor Chapman Running for Reelection — “John needs your help to appear on the ballot for the June 8 Democratic Primary for Alexandria City Council. Although we would love to have a traditional in-person event, we need to adapt for everyone’s safety. So, stop by the Beatley Library parking lot for a safe, socially distanced drive-thru Meet & Greet to sign John’s voter petition. We’ll be taking the following COVID precautions: masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Feel free to bring your own pen (though we’ll have some on hand).” [Facebook]
This Friday is a Teacher Work Day for ACPS — “ACPS Reminder: No School for students this Friday, Jan. 29. It is a Teacher Work Day. Food distribution this Friday will only be provided at T.C. Williams High School and Hammond Middle School. Families who need meals should pick them up from one of these two locations.” [Twitter]
Capital Bikeshare Moves to New Location in Old Town — “@Bikeshare users: the St. Asaph & Montgomery station, adjacent to Gables Old Town North is being relocated today from St. Asaph Street to Pitt St., the other side of the building. Not familiar with Bikeshare? Visit alexandriava.gov/bikesharing.” [Twitter]
Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit System Taking Shape — “One of the largest projects that will transform Richmond Highway in the next decade is the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system along the corridor. Last year, Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) began to hold public meetings about the project which is still in the early days of design and right of way acquisition.” [Alexandria Living]
Here Are the 100 Posters Kids Submitted for Martin Luther King, Jr Online Exhibition — “The exhibit also allowed many of the young artists to use the opportunity to paint messages regarding social distancing, and the importance of masking up and thanking our front line workers, topics close to many hearts this year.” [Zebra]
Local Nonprofits Receive $100K in Donations — “The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia awarded four nonprofits in the region with $25,000 grants to help improve vulnerable residents’ access to food on Jan. 21, according to a news release. ALIVE!, an Alexandria nonprofit that provides food, shelter and financial support for those in need, was one of the recipients of CFNV’s grants. The Arlington Free Clinic, Capital Area Food Bank and The House, Inc. also received grants…” [Alex Times]
Free Mount Vernon Admission By Reservation Offered On 2 Dates — “George Washington’s Mount Vernon will continue the tradition of free admission days for Presidents Day and Washington’s birthday, but advanced registration will be required.” [Patch]
Alexandria/Arlington Sorority Sisters Celebrate Inauguration of Vice President Harris — “As someone who participated in the Civil Rights movement of the 60s, I get emotional just thinking about this huge accomplishment and how far we as a people have come. The idea that a woman of color, who attended an HBCU, and who was raised by a single parent is now our Vice President is mind-boggling.” [Gazette]
Today’s Weather — “Sunny along with a few clouds (during the day). High around 35F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible… Partly cloudy skies (in the evening). Low 22F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Front Desk Agent — “Sage Hospitality is looking for a Front Desk Agent at the Alexandrian Hotel.” [Indeed]
Honestly, kind of a slow week in Alexandria — must have been the tryptophan in the Thanksgiving turkey.
As we head into the end of the year, the city and many local organizations are working to lay the groundwork for a better 2021. Even as the Campagna Center recoils from cancelling the Christmas Parade, the organization is working to ensure fundraising stays consistent for the local non-profit’s early childhood programs. The City, too, is planning for a looming budget setback when CARES Act funding expires.
On the bright side, unemployment figures continue to go down for Alexandria and adoptions from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria are on the rise. The West End could also get also be getting that Capital Bikeshare expansion sooner than expected.
Here are ALXnow’s top stories of the week in Alexandria:
- Planning Commission Approves Potomac Yard Park Expansion
- New Report Recommends Making Voluntary Affordable Housing Contributions Mandatory in Alexandria
- Cars Stolen With Fake Checks in Alexandria, Suspects Selling Cars
- Alexandria Refines Accessory Dwelling Units Policy and Cuts Parking Requirement
- Women’s Clothing Store LOFT Closes in Old Town
- Officials Debunk Conservative Study on Registered Alexandria Voters
- Alexandria Announces Rolling Expansion of Bikeshare Program to the West End Next Year
- Man Shot in Old Town, Police Increase Patrol Coverage with Spike in Shots Fired Calls
- Beyer Blasts Metro Plan to Cut Service and Eliminate Alexandria Stations
- Del Ray Christmas Tree Lighting Scheduled This Week
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
The City of Alexandria has announced that the Capital Bikeshare will be headed to the West End ahead of schedule starting early next year.
Bicycle use has increased regionally, to the point where it was difficult at times to get a bicycle in Alexandria. With hopes for a rebound in ridership in the coming spring, Alexandria said seven previously deployed stations still in good condition will be purchased and located in the West End. The purchase will accelerate the expansion of the program by several years, the city said.
“The interim stations, which are anticipated to be installed in January and February, will be replaced with new equipment once grant funding becomes available,” the city said in a press release. “City staff is finalizing locations for stations and coordinating an installation schedule.”
The city said locations will primarily be chosen based on sites identified in the Transportation Master Plan. Sites are scattered throughout the West End, partially concentrated in the high-density areas like near the Van Dorn Street Metro station. It’s unclear how potential plans to close the Van Dorn and Eisenhower stations could affect that implementation.
The press release noted that sites will be determined after discussions with nearby property owners and the Bikeshare operator.
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
The Capital Bikeshare’s expansion in Alexandria has hit some serious snags that has resulted in at least a two-year delay in the arrival of new stations.
In 2017, the City of Alexandria approved 10 new Capital Bikeshare stations, which would have included a push into the West End and Potomac Yard. The plan was to install them in 2018, according to the Washington Post, but that didn’t happen. Then the city’s FY 2020-29 Capital Improvement Program cited summer 2019 as the proposed completion date, but that hasn’t happened either.
City staff say changes in regulations have resulted in the city being forced to secure new contracts and file more paperwork.
“The city did not install any new Capital Bikeshare stations this summer,” said Sarah Godfrey, public information officer for the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services. “In 2018, VDOT reinterpreted federal regulations governing bikeshare; as a result, every municipality with Capital Bikeshare in the state has been working to secure new contracts and comply with those requirements.”
Now, the city is trying to ride in tandem with Falls Church’s expansion plans.
“Falls Church was the first Northern Virginia municipality to get a new contract in place; we’re working on obtaining permission to ‘ride’ that contract and going through the normal grant processes to fulfill the federal and state requirements,” Godfrey said.
Whether that will be allowed is unclear. In emails between city staff and VDOT officials, obtained by ALXnow, VDOT staff called the proposed piggybacking “uncharted territory” and said that the timeline for that process was unknown.
VDOT staff also said earlier this year that the city still needed to submit documents showing the scope of work involved, a cost estimate for the project, and a document showing the locations of the new bikeshare stations.
“Once we’ve cleared those process and regulatory hurdles, staff will be working to get the… stations that were approved in 2017 installed as quickly as possible,” Godfrey said. “Staff will then begin planning and engagement for the next round of stations, pending approval for additional operating funds, which are considered annually by City Council during the budget process.”
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
