For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 1, 2017
This week, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is installing five new Bikeshare stations in downtown Wheaton that link to the Wheaton Metrorail station. This will bring the total number of County Bikeshare stations to 66. In late spring, a sixth station will be installed upon completion of a new, 332-unit residential development under construction by AVA Wheaton and located at Blueridge Avenue and Elkin Street.
“MCDOT is committed to expanding travel options in Montgomery County, and this is particularly important in Wheaton where we are leading the way to redevelop the downtown into a more walkable, bikeable, smart growth community,” said MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh. “We expect Bikeshare in Wheaton to significantly improve opportunities and quality of life for all our residents as it has in other areas of the County. Bikeshare provides another cost effective alternative that can help reduce traffic congestion by eliminating the need to drive for short trips.”
MCDOT used a $300,350 Maryland Bikeways Program grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to establish the Bikeshare network in Wheaton, which covers the purchase and installation of stations and bikes. AVA Wheaton provided $57,405 for the station at their residential development. The County provided the remaining matching funds.
The location of the Wheaton Bikeshare stations are: Elkin Street and Amherst Avenue; Grandview and Blueridge avenues; Wheaton Metrorail station; Amherst Avenue and Prichard Road; and Windham Lane and Amherst Avenue.
MCDOT is directing the effort to replace the County-owned Wheaton Triangle Parking Lot with a government office building, town square and underground public parking to boost Wheaton’s economic development, contribute to its renewal and improve environmental quality.
More information about Capital Bikeshare is available online.