Program Overview
Capital Bikeshare is a regional bikeshare program. Bike sharing is public transportation using bicycles, and cities around the world provide bike sharing systems as a transportation option for residents and visitors. There are 71 stations (and counting!) in Alexandria and over 800 across the DC metropolitan area, including Arlington County, Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Washington, D.C. The system is fully seamless; riders may pick up a bike in any part of the region and return to any station. Additionally, the program now offers e-bikes that can be found at stations or nearby bike racks. Capital Bikeshare is a great way to get around the region! See what the City of Alexandria is doing with Capital Bikeshare through the FY 2025 Annual Report.
System Expansion
Capital Bikeshare is expanding! In 2025, the City of Alexandria is installing 10 new stations and 22 replacements of existing stations that are approaching the end of their useful life. This will include new docks, platforms, and kiosks, as well as new pedal and e-bikes. All new equipment is funded through Federal grants and developer contributions.
The Bikes
Launched in 2023, the sleek silver e-bike is the newest member of the Capital Bikeshare fleet. It offers an electric assist up to 20 miles per hour, automatic shifting, and smooth acceleration to take on hills and long distances with ease. Additionally, they have their own cable lock, so they may be locked to a public bike rack to give you extra flexibility.
The iconic red pedal bike is the mainstay of the Capital Bikeshare fleet. With a front basket, step-through frame, flashing headlight and taillight, and adjustable seat, it's ready to take you where you need to go (with a little human-powered help of course).
Pricing
There several different pricing options for using Bikeshare, ranging from annual memberships to single trip fees. Please visit the Capital Bikeshare Pricing webpage for more details or see the brochures below for a summary.
Capital Bikeshare for All Program
Offers affordable, accessible, and fun transportation options for everyone, regardless of income for only $5 per year. This program provides unlimited rides on the classic bikes, with the first 60 minutes of each classic bike or ebike trip included. Participants must qualify for certain state or federal benefits: SNAP, WIC, TANF, SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Low-income energy assistance program. If interested, please register online or sign-up at the GO Alex Mobile Store - Schedule
Station Siting
Station locations are selected from locations suggested by the community and near new development sites, and are evaluated using criteria including connectivity to transit to expand between Metrorail stations, mixed-use activity centers, potential bicycle activity, proximity to other Capital Bikeshare stations. The Transportation Master Plan also provides more information about planned locations for future bikeshare stations. In addition, the following technical considerations also apply:
- Direct sunlight
- At least 11'x 42' of clearance
- Sidewalk/pedestrian clearance
- Topography
- Utility clearance
- VDOT approval (if applicable)
- City Right Of Way
Resources
- GO Alex - Bikeways Network
- GO Alex - Bike and Walk
- Capital Bikeshare station map -- Check availability of bikes and docks, save the stations you use most often
- Follow Capital Bikeshare on Facebook and Twitter