Media Contacts:	Karyn Le Blanc (DDOT) at (202) 671-3490
	Jack Pfeiffer (EOM) at (202) 727-1751

(Washington, DC) — Mayor Adrian M. Fenty along with Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein and members of the biking community held a ribbon cutting in celebration of the District’s new, highly anticipated Bikestation DC.

This new facility offers bicycle parking, rentals, repairs and accessories at the west end of Union Station and holds approximately 133 bicycles of all types. The $4M project was funded by the Federal Highway Administration and DDOT.

“We are extremely pleased to be here to celebrate this new facility located strategically at the District’s major transportation hub,” said Mayor Fenty. “This is not just a facility but a testament to the type of green transportation the District embodies and we are very proud to be part of this ribbon cutting ceremony today.”

The bike station is one of many DDOT projects to promote sustainable transportation within the District.

“This new architecturally striking facility serves as a symbol that bicycling is a legitimate form of transportation,” said DDOT Director Klein. “DDOT continues to be committed to all modes of transportation understanding each ones importance to a healthy transportation system.”

The state-of-the-art building* was designed by Donald Paine who is a Principal with local firm KGP Design Studio. Mr. Paine came up with the transparent shell, reminiscent of a bicycle wheel and helmet.

The shape and scale of the building complement the adjacent historic buildings and allows for bus circulation on either side. Mr. Paine received his Masters in Architecture from Harvard University.

The bike station boasts a hybrid natural and mechanical venting system to minimize power use. The design also allows for rainwater runoff to be used for irrigation. A portion of the runoff from both the bike station as well as the plaza will be channeled to the planters for use as irrigation and to take advantage of the bio-retentive qualities of the planting beds.

The new bike transit facility was developed in concert with Mobis/Transportation/Bikestation which has planned, designed and developed Bikestations throughout the United States. This is the most recent in a national network of similar bike parking facilities and the first of its kind on the east coast.

“We are delighted that Bikestation DC not only serves the DC community and its residents and visitors, but also acts as a model for alternative transportation for all urban environments throughout the United States,” said Andrea White-Kjoss, president and chief executive officer for Mobis Transportation/Bikestation.

Membership registration for the station is now open. Memberships, including 24/7 access, are handled by Bikestation Washington, DC. Interested cyclists can go to www.bikestation.com to register. Members will receive a key fob in the mail that will allow 24/7 access to the parking area. Memberships are available at $96 per year, $30 a month or $1 per day purchased in packs of ten, plus a $20 annual administration fee. Non-members can access bike parking during staff hours for $2 per day.

Bike and Roll Washington DC, a local bike rental company, will operate the center and will provide the rentals, repairs, retail, and daily parking. See www.bikethesites.com for more information. Bike and Roll Washington DC will offer rentals including Trek comfort bikes, performance bikes, road bike and tandem bikes. Children’s bikes and accessories such as tandem trailers and burleys are also available. All rentals come with a helmet, U-lock, bike rack, flat kit and city map.

“Bikes are by far the best way to navigate Washington, DC. We are excited to be opening our third location in the Washington area and helping enable visitors and residents to see the city on two wheels,” said Stephen Marks, President of Bike and Roll Washington, DC.

The new location will also offer full bike maintenance and service to both members and non-members of the bike station.

Retail items such as locks, gloves, tubes, fenders, lights and bike computers will be available for purchase.

For additional information visit www.ddot.dc.gov.