Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Capital Bikeshare Both Replaces and Promotes Transit Trips

false

One of the criticisms you hear about bikeshare systems is that they will only replace trips that would otherwise have been by walking or taking transit. But Capital Bikeshare keeps confounding the critics. The full picture is much more complex and interesting, with Cabi replacing bus and rail trips but also leading subscribers to use the transit system more often.

The Wash Cycle blog has a breakdown of CaBi data, and the results offer pretty good news for public health and green transportation:

One of the more interesting facts within the plan is the breakdown of how CaBi has changed mode-use options. It is doing a lot to shift people towards healthier options, as well as cleaner ones. For example, Without CaBi 55% of users would have taken a non-active mode and 13% would have used a car.

Two numbers that might be overlooked, but are actually very important are that 6% of CaBi users would have just not taken the trip, while only 5% would have used their own bike. That is a glaring statement that what CaBi is about is giving people a choice they didn't feel they already had. There was a large number of people out there who wanted to bike, but felt they couldn't and Capital Bikeshare has made that an option for them. There are another 6% who would have just stayed where they were because they felt like no good transportation choice.

And even when people weren't on a bike, CaBi changed the way they got around. "A quarter of respondents reported that they now use traditional transit more frequently than they did prior to becoming CaBi members, while 5 percent reported that they now use their personal bicycles more often."

Elsewhere on the Network today: Streets.mn says that the goal of city and regional planners should be to "maximize accessibility." This Big City shares a study that found walkable streets discourage crime. And Greater Greater Washington says that the National Park Service is slowly getting more bike friendly.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: Thinking Bigger About Regional Economic Development

Waymaker Group CEO Julie Huls on economic development strategies for mid-sized cities, the impacts of the pandemic on regional thinking, and what a future of mega-regions means for cities trying to attract talent.

November 7, 2024

Thursday’s Headlines, Election Results Edition

Election Night brought bad news for federal climate policy, but mostly good news for local transit and environmental initiatives.

November 7, 2024

N.Y. Gov Twiddles Thumbs on ‘Unpausing’ First-in-Nation Congestion Pricing Before Trump Takes Office

New York Gov. Hochul is showing no urgency to "un-pause" congestion pricing before Donald Trump takes charge of the federal government.

November 7, 2024

Opinion: ‘Amtrak Joe’ Has A Big Opportunity to Cement His Legacy Now

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was a historic investment, but new research shows it favored highways and is raising greenhouse gas emissions. That could change during the lame duck session.

November 7, 2024

Sustainable Transportation Advocates React to the Trump Victory

Some sustainable transportation advocates took to social media following the election to share their fears — and hopes — for life under the next administration.

November 7, 2024
See all posts