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Residents of DC & Arlington now have a great new bicycle sharing program available to them.  Capital Bikeshare offers 1100 bikes, 110 solar-powered stations and three different purchase options for those who would rather forego using motorized vehicles and instead get some exercise and sunshine!  Of course, if you tend to be Eco-minded, you will recognize the immediate benefits less noise and air pollution in the city.

Believe it or not, this actually has a cause/effect relationship with real estate - where many buyers were limited to only Metro-accessible neighborhoods before, non-Metro neighborhoods are now getting 'in the mix' when they introduce a Capitol Bikeshare station. Interest in these neighborhoods is growing with a new option for residents to get around. The convenience of the Bikeshare (you can pick up & drop off at ANY station) sits well with buyers who like being able to switch from Metro, bus & bicycle with ease.

Residents are able to use the bike share for work, errands, visiting family and friends, or catching a ride to the Metro.  Capital Bikeshare does recommend using helmets, but does not provide helmets for rent.  They do  have a link on the website for places where you can buy them all around the city. 

They offer online or phone sign-up by calling the customer service department at 1-877-430-BIKE (2453).  You can choose from 24-hour, 30-day, or 1-year plans.  If you choose the 24-hour plan, you will be required to have a $101 per bike security deposit on your account.  The funds will not be withdrawn, but there will be on hold for up to ten days.  Prices are currently as low as $5 for 24 hours and up to $50 for one year.  The yearly minimum will not stay that low, so act now!  The first 30 minutes of any trip are always free no matter which plan you pick. 

If you own an iPhone, Blackberry or Android smartphone, you can download the Spotcycle application; it is currently free.  Spotcycle shows the locations nearest you, as well as their statuses.  This app will free you up for more cycling time!

What are the nuts and bolts of the process to get your hands on one of these bikes?  After enrolling, you will receive your key in the mail within a week.  You will insert your key into any bike dock, a green light will appear, and then you should pull the handlebars toward you to release the bike.  There is a handy map on each bike rack for your convenience.  After your trip, you will return the bike to any location with an empty dock space.  Push the front wheel into the space, wait for the green light and you will know it is secured.  Careful though, the maximum time to hold any bike is 24 hours.

All Capital Bikeshare bikes come equipped with three speeds, internal hub gears, fenders, chain guards, lights, front racks and adjustable seats.  Remember: BYOH (bring your own helmet)! 

Capital Bikeshare is going to take the Washington, DC and Arlington, VA streets by storm!  Get involved and get some exercise.  Residents and visitors alike will enjoy this fun new way to travel around the city.   

Don't hesitate to call Rachel Valentino, DC's "Best Real Estate Agent" as voted by the Washington City Paper for a no-pressure consultation & discussion about what neighborhoods have been impacted by the introduction of the Capitol Bikeshare revolution. Rachel is on top of DC's real estate scene and is active in all avenues of the market - including private residences, new construction, luxury market and the condo and co-op community.