WABA called for free bikeshare as an option during Red Line closures during the summer of 2024.

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Councilmember Natali Fani-González

Councilmember Evan Glass

Councilmember Kate Stewart

MCDOT Director Chris Conklin

April 29, 2024

Councilmembers, Director Conklin,

We at WABA are huge transit fans, of course alongside our support for active transportation including biking. We're glad you, MDOT, and WMATA were able to work out Georgia Avenue dedicated bus lanes and shuttles to support individuals affected by this summer's Red Line closures.

We suggest an additional step: Free Capital Bikeshare membership for people who live or work near one of the Red Line stations that will be closed. 

Alexandria implemented a program during a 2022-3 Yellow Line shutdown. An article reports: 

Capital Bikeshare will be free for people coming to and from Alexandria,” Hamed said. “We will have a code with Capital Bikeshare operator Lyft to allow people who either live or work in Alexandria to use the Capital Bikeshare for free for any trip that comes to or from the city or within the city.

Washington DC previously offered free Bikeshare in response to 2021 reduced Metro service. The Post reported:

The news that the Metrorail system in the nation’s capital will continue to operate at reduced levels this week prompted the District to offer a transit perk to city residents: free bike rides.

Starting Monday, all D.C. residents can get a free 30-day Capital Bikeshare membership, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) announced. Bowser said the offer should give residents another option to get around as the region navigates the ongoing Metro crisis.

We would be thrilled if Montgomery County took a similar approach, in particular in areas surrounding the Takoma (Maryland neighborhoods), Silver Spring, and Wheaton Metro stations. 

As an aside: We'd also be thrilled if you would fund Bikeshare expansion to serve the Forest Glen and Glenmont stations areas as well!

Thanks for considering this suggestion and best wishes,

Peter Gray, Montgomery County Organizer

Seth Grimes, Maryland Organizer