Choose Your Route to West Potomac Park
Saturday, September 24, 2011By Alexis Powers
Transportation options to West Potomac Park are like energy-efficient home solutions: diverse, plentiful, and readily available.
The free public shuttle takes Solar Decathlon visitors to and from the solar village. (Credit: Alexis Powers/U.S. Department of Energy)
Many visitors are taking advantage of the free public shuttle, which circulates between the event site and the Smithsonian Metro Station every 15 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekends.
Biking has also been popular. Not only are bike racks provided at both ends of the solar village, but you can also park your ride in style using the bicycle valet service. This free option is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays and from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends through the Washington Area Bicycle Association.
Bicyclists just ride up, get a numbered tag for their bike, and go on to tour the houses without having to lock up their equipment.
“It’s especially great for families who have trailers, helmets, lights, and all kinds of other attachments,” says Henry Mesias, who is helping with the valet service.
The bike valet service allows Solar Decathlon visitors to come and go quickly. (Credit: Alexis Powers/U.S. Department of Energy)
Alexis Powers is a member of the Solar Decathlon communications team.