Spring is just about the most beautiful time in D.C.  The sun is shining, the cherry blossoms are in bloom, summer humidity hasn't kicked in yet, and it's light out past 5:00 pm.  One of the best ways to see DC in the spring (or any time of the year) is by bike.  You don't have to fight traffic or the sometimes unreliable Metro service and you can get some exercise while seeing the sights.  However most people don't own a bike simply because they wouldn't use it often enough.  The Smart Bike program may change that and bring bikes to everyone.

Based on a popular program in France and making its U.S. debut in DC, Smart Bike is the bike equivalent of Zipcar.  Bikes will be located at stations throughout DC.  You go up to a station, swipe your pre-paid Smart Bike card, and the bike is yours.  The exact plans have yet to be finalized - some people are reporting that users will pay an hourly fee, others are saying you can pay a $40 fee which gives you access to the system for a year.  Whatever the outcome, the Smart Bike program is sure to open up a whole new world of bike trails and scenic sightseeing for DC residents. 

We will be sure to keep you updated as the plan develops.  In the meantime, a link to a map with proposed Smart Bike locations can be found here.

 

3 Comments on Have Bike, Will Travel

MAY
02
2008
1,739,962 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
This sounds like a great idea. The question I'd have which I'm sure they're working on is one of maintenance - what happens when you have a flat or breakdown between stations?
2:51pm • #1
3 Featured Posts

We have (American-born) family living in France, and they just rave about how this wonderful way to commute. 

It is about time this innovation made it to the states!
4:14pm • #2
MAY
06
2008

That is a good question... I am sure that the individuals finalizing the plan are looking at examples such as France for direction on how to handle similiar situations. 

Jennifer - Urban Discoveries Blogger
5:03pm • #3


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