Nearly three years ago Streetfilms took a day trip to Washington, D.C. to see their new bike-share system, Smart Bike DC, in action. We found the trial system a fun ride with great potential, but with only 120 bikes there wasn't widespread use.
Flash forward to 2011. With more than 1,100 bicycles and 110 stations, D.C.'s Capital Bikeshare is testament to the imperative to "go big or go home" when deploying bike-share programs. Currently the largest bike-share system in the United States, the District's second stab gives users much more flexibility and options to accomplish short errands and commute to work.
In fact, the next phase of expansion has just been announced, with 18 more stations and 265 more bikes coming this fall.
The handsome red bikes are easy to ride. With one swipe of a keycard you're off and biking. During the morning and evening commutes (and lunch hours) you'll see the bikes in very heavy rotation. But what left Streetfilms most impressed was how many people were riding them in full business attire in the hot and humid summers around the capital. If that isn't a sign of success, what is?
Streetfilms would like to thank the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) for partnering with us on this project.
