Bike the Sites Blog

So, some people have asked us if Capital Bikeshare is a competitor of ours, and the truth is, we really don't see it that way! We think the Capital Bikeshare program is a nice, environmentally friendly addition to our city's commuter options. And, the services we provide are so different that it's really more about what you're looking for in your bicycle rental.

First off, let's talk about price. For DC locals looking to get from Point A to Point B in under an hour, Capital Bikeshare might appeal to you. However, for tourists and locals alike who are looking to rent for longer than 90 minutes, Bike and Roll easily comes out on top for being the less expensive option.

We also differ greatly in terms of our equipment. Unlike Capital Bikeshare, Bike and Roll offers a wide variety of rentals-- from family-friendly trailer tandems and burleys, to road bikes and performance bikes for the more experienced riders. We also provide helmets and locks with all of our rentals. And, as many of you know, the helmet law in DC states that all riders under 16 years of age are required to wear helmets, so, unless you have your own helmet, Capital Bikeshare isn't a legal option for young riders.

Capital Bikeshare's numerous locations are beneficial, but Bike and Roll's on-site, friendly customer service provides the renter with a wider array of options from directions to maps to restaurant suggestions.

The bottomline is, both Bike and Roll and Capital Bikeshare offer alternatives to car, metro, bus, and foot travel in DC. But Bike and Roll provides more flexibility in terms of pricing, length of rentals, and variety of equipment.

Happy renting, everyone!

As of this month, Boston is now home the New Balance Hubways, with 61 bike sharing stations and 600 bicycles. The city’s reputation for rude and pushy drivers has made some cyclists wary, but even the mayor has high hopes, proclaiming at its launch that “the car is no longer king.”

Public bike sharing systems are popping up all over the country. Denver is expanding its B-cycle program, Boston has been all a buzz, and now San Francisco is following suit. Denver launched its first bike share program last year, selling over 1,700 annual memberships and 103,000 rides. The mile high city is now proposing to expand the project to run year round as well as triple the number of stations. Last but not least the SFMTA is planning a partnership with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to put together 50 bike share stations with 500 bikes for spring of 2012.

We are stoked that bikeshare fever is spreading. This means more promotion for biking in general, which will lead to safer streets, fewer gas emissions, and most importantly, more people taking bike tours!

What do you think? Which city will be next?