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Sharing to Save Money

Businesses like Bike Share are cropping up to meet the needs of recession-weary Americans. But besides saving money, many are relearning the principle of sharing.

Chris Ganson, a 35-year-old city planner, participates in Bike Share, a new city program in which riders borrow bikes from the city for $40 a year. Sharing programs like Bike Share have recently increased in popularity as Americans adopt a kindergarten mantra: Share and share alike.

Chris Ganson, a 35-year-old city planner, participates in Bike Share, a new city program in which riders borrow bikes from the city for $40 a year. Sharing programs like Bike Share have recently increased in popularity as Americans adopt a kindergarten mantra: Share and share alike.

Jahi Chikwendiu-The Washington Post

Ganson, who abandoned his car when he moved to the District, uses Bike Share and Zipcar, a similar car-sharing program, to commute around the city. "It beats having to worry about your bike when you park it," he said.

Ganson, who abandoned his car when he moved to the District, uses Bike Share and Zipcar, a similar car-sharing program, to commute around the city. "It beats having to worry about your bike when you park it," he said.

Jahi Chikwendiu-The Washington Post

Bike Share members can access 120 bikes on self-service racks throughout the city. "It's convenient and it saves money," Gason said.

Bike Share members can access 120 bikes on self-service racks throughout the city. "It's convenient and it saves money," Gason said.

Jahi Chikwendiu-The Washington Post

Bridget Dooley rides on a bike from the Bike Share program. Stations are located throughout the city.

July 15

Bridget Dooley rides on a bike from the Bike Share program. Stations are located throughout the city.

Jahi Chikwendiu-The Washington Post

The hard economy has convinced Ganson to adopt sharing programs that emphasize cheap alternatives to expensive investments. Joining Bike Share has also saved on insurance payments and parking, Ganson said.

July 15

The hard economy has convinced Ganson to adopt sharing programs that emphasize cheap alternatives to expensive investments. Joining Bike Share has also saved on insurance payments and parking, Ganson said.

Jahi Chikwendiu-The Washington Post

Brett Benson uses Bike Share for some light shopping. An increasing number of people are abandoning the "Greed is Good" mantra in favor of camaraderie and sharing. Trading programs have grown to encompass items from tools to books to skills, such as gardening.

July 15

Brett Benson uses Bike Share for some light shopping. An increasing number of people are abandoning the "Greed is Good" mantra in favor of camaraderie and sharing. Trading programs have grown to encompass items from tools to books to skills, such as gardening.

Jahi Chikwendiu-The Washington Post

Gallery Credits:
Producer, Photo Editor Stephen Cook Text Editor Channing Turner

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This Story Recession Lesson: Share and Swap Replaces Grab and Buy Article \| The recession is reminding Americans of a lesson they first learned in childhood: Share and share alike. They are sharing or swapping tools and books, cars and handbags, time and talent. Sharing to Save Money		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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