Fourth Estate/Viviana Smith

Three Capital Bikeshare docking stations have been installed on Mason’s Fairfax campus

BY VIVIANA SMITH, MANAGING EDITOR

The Metro DC’s Capital Bikeshare program has been introduced to Mason’s Fairfax campus offering a new way to move around campus and the surrounding area. The university joined the Capital Bikeshare university program which offers a discounted annual membership of $25 to those enrolled at Mason. 

Launched in September 2010, Capital Bikeshare is a bike sharing program by The District Department of Transportation in partnership with various cities and counties in the DMV area. 

On March 27 and 28, the three stations were installed on Rappahannock River Lane, near the intersection of York River Road and Patriot Circle, and between Horizon Hall and Harris Theatre. Among the stations, there are approximately 39 docks for Capital Bikeshare bikes to be parked. 

According to Mason Parking and Transportation, the university program offers discounted access to Capital Bikeshare bikes at over 700 stations, including the existing stations outside of Mason Square. The Capital Bikeshare annual membership is $95 a year; however, Mason students have access to a $25 annual fee through the program. “Participating students will save money on transportation costs, gain access to affordable transportation that supports a healthy lifestyle, and is available 24 hours a day.”

According to Director of Parking and Transportation Josh Cantor, this addition to the Fairfax campus was initiated through a Bikeshare Feasibility Study with the City of Fairfax, Fairfax County and the Town of Vienna. The study proposed stations around various locations on the Fairfax campus. 

“We are delighted to bring this transportation service to the Fairfax Campus as Capital Bikeshare provides access to a network of bikes across the region,” Cantor said. “Mason will look into expanding Bikeshare on campus based on demand, budget, and the evolution of the University’s master plan.”

On March 28, Mason Parking shared the news of the installation in an Instagram post. 

According to Cantor, the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the bikeshare program is set to take place on Wednesday, April 24 at 11:30 a.m at the Rappahannock River Lane bikeshare station. The ceremony falls on the same day as “Bike to Mason day” on the Fairfax campus.