[arlmom]

Yes, indeed! I saw a lot of people out today. I took my kiddos with me to the Ballston stop in Arlington. They loved the woman on her unicycle fitted with a toy horse, fully dressed in chariot gear, and really loved the lollipops and prizes. It was a super stop with a DJ, great energy, and great swag. Thanks BikeArlington!!

[arlmom]

Shining “bacon” of democracy.

[arlmom]

The resolution passed at the meeting last night. But, the BCA is open to forming a committee to help the association membership better understand bikesharing. At least that is what I understand second-hand since I wasn’t able to attend the meeting.

I think it passed 31-14. I heard that most of the opposition was targeted toward the site on the Bluemont Trail, not as much on the site at N. Harrison Street.

I hope to participate in the new committee. We’ll see if time and information might change any opinions or get others involved that are open to bikeshare in the neighborhood.

[arlmom]

Thanks for all of the conversation on this issue. I value the dialogue.

Regarding the single family home use question, I can answer for myself. I would use it. My husband, two kids (ages 1 and 4), and I enjoy riding our bikes from our single family home up the street from the proposed Harrison St. location. We tend to ride cargo bikes now to take the kids where we need and want to go. However, on the days that I can go into work on my own (having my husband drop the kids off at daycare/preschool), I could take a bikeshare bike to the Ballston metro from the N. Harrison St station and be at the metro in about 10 minutes (give or take). This is perfect on days when I don’t want to ride my own bike to Ballston and park it there with my concern of bike and accessory (child seat, lights, etc.) theft or vandalism.

I would also use it on the weekends to ride into Clarendon, Virginia Square, and the District. When the proposed Westover location is built, I’ll ride there too. I’ll also likely ride to other points on the W&OD and Custis Trails where there are playgrounds or other spots to get out and enjoy the outdoors. So, although it isn’t a hub of super dense housing, there are a lot of people that currently walk from the neighborhood into Ballston to catch the metro or get to work and return home every day. There are a lot of people that would likely use it to get to and from work, get to a local restaurant or bar, enjoy time with friends, pick up a few groceries, etc. I think that there are a number of families with children that will use the stations so they can explore areas with their kids, walk around, find another bikeshare location to rent from or take the metro, and then carry on. There is a simplicity in not having to keep your bike with you that comes with bikeshare. I also know that I would like to see a station for my kids when they are riding an adult sized bike (which will probably be here before I know it).

The bottom line is that a station like this will open up new avenues for bikeshare and get more people that may not be using the system much more engaged and riding more because they can ride from home or to home.

[arlmom]

Neat article. I recently got a Workcycles FR8 bike with a child seat right behind the handlebars for my big 3 year old. Hopefully, this will help him with riding his own bike with time.

[Author]

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