Bikeshare reduces car usage by 5 million miles per year

In a report released today,  Capital Bikeshare determined  members save an average of $891 per year and collectively reduce their driving miles by 5 million per year.

Other finding  include:

• 83% of respondents said they were more likely to patronize a business that was Capital Bikeshare accessible
•  82% of respondents reported increased bike use since joining Capital Bikeshare and 70% said Capital Bikeshare was an important reason
•  Over all Capital Bikeshare members, this translates to 5 million fewer driving miles each year
•  Capital Bikeshare members saved an average of $891 annually on travel
•  Capital Bikeshare was major/main factor for 56% who reduced car use

Arlington, VA and the District of Columbia offer this  regional service with over 1500 bikes and 165  stations.

Ride Changed to one day – June 16.  NEW STARTING LOCATION

Due to uncontrollable circumstances, the JEB Stuart commemoration ride has been changed to a free, one day event.  The event will be held on Saturday, June 16.  Rides begin at 9:00 a.m.

Rides will now depart from the New Kent, VA Visitor Center, located just north of Exit 211 on Interstate 64.   (Riders are encouraged to park in the field behind the Visitor Center.)

Rides will follow the New Kent County routes and offer six options of a 15, 25, 50, 62, 75 or 100 mile routes.   Maps of the route are available at the visitor center . Riders will be responsible for their own food, water and support.

After completing their ride, are encouraged to participate in the historic events and wine tasting at the New Kent Winery.   Cost for the wine tasting is $15.   Activities include, historic lectures, artillery and arms demonstrations,  troop encampments, period dancing and more.

We would like to remind you about an important meeting for anyone supporting the Virginia Capital Trail project.  V-DOT is holding a public input meeting on the 10-mile Varina section of the Trail.  Come see diagrams of the proposed alignment of this critical phase of construction, and make sure to fill out a comment card so your support will be counted.

When:   Wednesday, June 6, 5-7 pm

Presentations at 5:30 and again at 6:30

Where:  John Rolfe Middle School Cafeteria

6901 Messer Road, Henrico, VA 23231

 Directions

Questions?  Email: info@virginiacapitaltrail.org

 If you cannot attend the meeting, feel free to send your comments to: richmondinfo@vdot.virginia.gov and reference

“Virginia Capital Trail” in the subject line.

Hope to see you there,

Beth Weisbrod
Executive Director
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

CTB Board Member, Roger Cole, VDOT's, Tom Hawthorne, VCTF Chair Cullen Seltzer and Secretary of Natural Resources, Doug Domenech

Approximately fifty people attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the latest section of the Virginia Capital Trail.  Held at Charles City Courthouse, the event marks the start of construction of the 12.5 mile, Sherwood Forest segment.  This section of the trail will connect the existing Charles City Courthouse segment to the Chickahominy section, completing 28 contiguous miles of the planned 52 mile route.

The trail will pass Sherwood Forest, home of America’s 10th president, John Tyler.

Construction  is scheduled to be completed in October, 2013.