Bethesda commuters tired of crowded shuttle buses have another way to get around this summer: free guided bike rides along the Capital Crescent Trail, every Monday morning through Aug. 31.
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is leading the weekly group rides from North Bethesda Metro station to Friendship Heights, following the same stretch where Red Line service has been suspended since July 6, according to a GGWash event listing. The rides depart at 8:30 a.m. from 5500 Marinelli Road and travel the Bethesda Trolley Trail and Capital Crescent Trail, passing through the Medical Center and Bethesda station areas before ending at Friendship Heights.
The rides, which began July 13, are free and open to anyone. The next departure is Monday, Aug. 10. Riders can RSVP at waba.org.
Why riders are looking for options
The Red Line closure affects roughly 12,500 daily passengers, according to NBC Washington. Three stations (Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center and Bethesda) are shut down through Sept. 6 while crews build a second mezzanine at Bethesda Station to connect to the future Purple Line and rehabilitate the Grosvenor-Strathmore platform.
WMATA deployed about 100 free shuttle buses running every five to eight minutes along Rockville Pike, but Metro Chief Operating Officer Leroy Jones said on the shutdown's opening day, July 6, that riders should expect trips to take 20 to 25 extra minutes. Early complaints included long lines wrapping around the Chevy Chase Pavilion at Friendship Heights.
The frustration extends beyond wait times. Chevy Chase resident Sherry Kaiman told Bethesda Magazine in July that shuttle buses required passengers to climb steps, raising concerns for riders with mobility challenges. "Did anyone think about people with some challenges?" she said in a July 23 Bethesda Magazine report.
More cycling options
Montgomery County is also partnering with Capital Bikeshare to offer residents a free 30-day membership with unlimited 45-minute rides. Residents who live or work within three miles of an affected station can apply on a first-come, first-served basis.
The WABA rides wrap up Aug. 31, one week before Red Line service is expected to resume Sept. 7.
