Reports of high ridership last fall held steady through the end of the year and made it official: Capital Bikeshare had its best year yet in Alexandria.
A report to the Traffic and Parking Board ahead of a meeting tonight said the bikeshare system ridership grew steadily post-Covid to a high of 109,487 trips starting or ending in Alexandria last year.
According to the report:
The Capital Bikeshare system hit record ridership numbers systemwide and in the City of Alexandria in 2023. The Capital Bikeshare system rebounded from the decline in ridership seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of trips taken by bikeshare has grown steadily since 2021 and 2023 was the highest ridership year for Capital Bikeshare in Alexandria to date. In 2023, 109,487 Capital Bikeshare trips started and/or ended in the City. Additionally, Capital Bikeshare had the highest average number of trips taken per day in 2023 with an average of 300 trips per day.
The bikeshare data is accessible online. The average trip time last year was 30 minutes and most trips start and end in Alexandria, though more end in the city than begin there.
It’s getting easier to bike to and from Alexandria’s new Potomac Yard Metro station.
Alexandria Transportation and Environmental Services said a new Capital Bikeshare station is now open just north of the station.
A report (page 11) to the Traffic and Parking Board for its meeting on Monday, Oct. 23, said the station has 15 docks.
“In October 2023, a new 15 dock Capital Bikeshare station was installed just north of the Potomac Yard Metro South Pavilion, along the Potomac Yard trail,” the report said. “This gives Metro riders a new, convenient transportation option to access the Potomac Yard Metro station.”
The report also said the city worked with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to get ten new bike racks installed at the station, split between the north and south pavilions.
“Staff is evaluating the feasibility of installing more racks on the south side of the station closer to Potomac Greens Drive,” the report said.
https://twitter.com/AlexandriaVATES/status/1714702981105418407
Photo via Capital Bikeshare/Twitter
After a dip in 2020, Capital Bikeshare use in Alexandria has been on a rapid rebound and this year surpassed pre-Covid ridership.
The network overall hit ridership records this summer. Capital Bikeshare hit an all-time ridership record in Alexandria this July, with 10,652 total trips, according to a new report to the Traffic and Parking Board. There was an average of 343.6 trips per day in July.
“The Capital Bikeshare system has hit record ridership numbers systemwide and in the City of Alexandria in 2023,” the report said. “Four of the highest performing months of all time have been in 2023 so far.”
The report credited some of that success to a new e-bike model.
“High ridership has been aided by a new e-bike model that was introduced to the Capital Bikeshare system in March 2023,” the report said.
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]
