Capital BikeShare Launches in Tysons Friday

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- Fairfax County officials and community members Friday joined the business community to celebrate the official opening of Capital BikeShare in Tysons, adding eight stations there.

“Capital Bikeshare is a terrific and innovative transportation program,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova. “I am pleased Fairfax County has officially joined the Capital Bikeshare network to support a fun, healthy and sustainable way of getting around the region. Capital Bikeshare will also give residents and visitors a new opportunity to explore Fairfax County’s bicycle trail network.”

Fairfax County becomes the fifth jurisdiction in the National Capital Region to join the Capital Bikeshare system, bringing the total number of stations to 435 across the District of Columbia, Arlington County, City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Montgomery County. There currently are 9 stations in Reston and 8 stations in Tysons with several more to be installed this November and December.

“As Hunter Mill District Supervisor, I am really excited to be part of the Capital Bikeshare network,” said Supervisor Cathy Hudgins. “Fairfax County has worked very hard to shape a network for all modes of transportation in Fairfax County and this is a substantial step in the right direction. Specifically in Reston, the community has always been on the leading edge for transportation and the expansion of Bikeshare in our community will continue this tradition,” she continued. “Adding Capital Bikeshare to Reston’s transportation alternatives makes us a complete community,” summarized Del. Ken Plum.

While reducing congestion and improving air quality, the county’s Bikeshare network serves work, recreation, retail, residential and transit destinations, with stations located within close proximity to the Silver Line Metrorail stationsin Reston and Tysons.

“Today's ceremony is further proof that the type of development we built the Silver Line to spur is coming to fruition,” said Congressman Gerry Connolly. “Both in Reston and in Tysons we are seeing the emergence of a new, sustainable urban landscape. I am very pleased that Capital Bikeshare is expanding further into Northern Virginia and look forward to more announcements to come!"

In Tysons, Fairfax County partnered with the community to bring Capital Bikeshare into fruition.

“Bikeshare in Tysons is the result of close collaboration between the Tysons Partnership and Fairfax County Department of Transportation, and an innovative public-private funding strategy,” said Tysons Partnership President Michael Caplin. “We are deeply grateful to those companies that stepped forward to make this possible: Beacon Capital Partners; Kaiser Permanente; Washington REIT; CBRE; Macerich; and Capital One.”

Beacon Capital Partners is one of the largest corporate sponsors of Capital Bikeshare in Tysons.

“Beacon Capital Partners is excited to help launch the next phase of transportation connectivity improvements in Tysons with our sponsorship of multiple Capital Bikeshare stations and look we forward to our continued work with Fairfax County and The Tysons Partnership,” said Beacon Capital Partners Asset Manager Shane McLaughlin.

Fairfax County Bicycle Program Manager Adam Lind also recognized public and private sector partners including the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Tysons Partnership, Comstock Partners and Boston Properties for assisting in bringing Capital Bikeshare to Fairfax County.

The Bikeshare system is designed to provide short, point-to-point transportation from one location to another.Individuals who may be new to Bikeshare can try the system with a $2 Single-Trip Fare. These single 30-minute trip passes are available at any station kiosk, and affordable 30-day and annual memberships can also be purchased online at www.CapitalBikeshare.com.

For more information:

· Search for station locations - interactive map

· View a how it works video

· View step-by-step how it works instructions

· Follow Capital Bikeshare on Twitter @bikeshare

PHOTO courtesy of Capitak Bikeshare