Arlington Republicans Pose Concerns Over Capital Bikeshare Stations

The Wash Cycle is countering the "strong stand" the Arlington Republican Committee has taken against the in the area.

In a blog post, The Wash Cycle writes,

"Most recently (the Arlington Republican Committee) posted on their blog that they're upset about the parking removed to make space for the stations. They report that 8 parking spaces were removed to make room for 4 stations. They feel the system is underused, the loss of spaces inconveniences drivers and will result in lost revenue."

The blog argues accommodating cyclists will benefit the area,

"Encouraging more people to bike to the area could free up more parking spaces then it removes and reduce congestion on the drive there. And it will definitely increase convenience for cyclists. Why should we prefer drivers over cyclists? Isn't the goal the mose efficient use of public space?"

On its website, the Arlington GOP committee argues the county will lose revenue from the lost parking spots and that the taxpayers will have to account for the difference.

"Even if the spaces were used only half the time (a very conservative estimate), they would have generated over $10,000 per year for the County. That will be a recurring annual loss, since the conversion of the Rosslyn parking spaces appears to be permanent."

According to the blog post, the committee says eight parking spots have been eliminated in Rosslyn because of the stations - two at the intersection of Clarendon Boulevard and N. Pierce Street, three at the intersection of Fort Myer Drive and Wilson Boulevard and three more at the intersection of N. Lynn Street and N. 19th Street.

For more information on these stories, visit Arlington GOP and The Wash Cycle.