Parking Space Station: Bikestation Opens at Union Station

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STANDING BEFORE A GLEAMING, helmet-shaped glass structure next to Union Station last Friday, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty boasted, "You don't every day get to come to the biggest, best, coolest Bikestation in the country." It makes sense that Fenty, an avid cyclist, would be on hand for the opening of the building, which houses covered, secure parking for about 130 bikes, and offers retail, repairs and rentals. But work to install the first Bikestation on the East Coast has taken six years.

The wait has been worth it for commuters such as George Mino, 56, who — contrary to what the mayor announced — hopes that his visits do happen every day. He takes the MARC from Columbia, Md., then hops on his bike to ride to work in Crystal City. But leaving his wheels out in the open at Union Station has been a bumpy ride. "I've had my bike stolen, vandalized and had the air let out of my tires," he says. "Now I can finally buy a bike that costs more than my lock."

Mino has signed up for an annual membership ($96, plus a $20 administrative fee), which means he has access to the facility 24/7, including a small changing room. Non-members can park for $2 a day between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., when Bike the Sites staffers are on hand to handle tune-ups, sales of accessories and rentals. Guided tours from Bikestation kick off in the spring.

Photo courtesy DDOT