BikeDC

Photo by PoPville flickr user julianne’s

From MPD:

EVENT: The preliminary investigation of the collision reveals that on November 26, 2010 at approximately 0940 hours, according to witnesses, an unknown bicyclist traveling east in the 600 block of Massachusetts Ave., N.W., turned south into the east alley along side of 650 Massachusetts Ave and struck two pedestrians who were walking north through the alley towards Massachusetts.

The striking bicyclist left the scene without making their identity.

A witness advised the bicyclist appeared to be a Hispanic male wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, black hair, and riding a BMX style bicycle, last scene riding south across I Street and then into the alley towards H Street NW.

Pedestrian #1, a 78 year old male suffered massive head trauma and was transported by Ambulance 16 to Howard University Hospital where he was admitted in critical condition.

Pedestrian #2, a 75 year old female suffered a minor abrasion to the back of the head and was transported to Howard Hospital where she was treated and released.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Scott Earhardt at 202-698-0681.

“Dear PoP,

Walking home from work on Wed. afternoon, saw this at the 15th ST NW bike lane just north of Mass. and immediately remembered why I make fun of Va/Md drivers.”

I guess since these bike lanes are relatively new I can forgive the driver…if they are very old. Otherwise this is a pretty frustrating sight. Have others seen folks parking in the bike lanes?

I’ll admit, I forgot that the ride was going on Sunday (I’ve been out of town the past few days). Anyway, I saw a few riders around 1st and R St, NW but then when I made it to Adams Morgan – I hit the mother lode on 18th St, NW. Of course they were finishing up for a party in the Stroga space so it finally made sense. And most importantly it looked like it was a ton a fun. And to the commenter who will eventually say – stuff white people like – you couldn’t be more wrong as this was one of the most diverse groups (of this size) that I’d ever seen in DC. First of all I’d say there must’ve been close to a thousand participants, if not more. And during just the few minutes I watched, I saw tons of races and ages. And the weather couldn’t have been better.

Anyone participate?

A few more shots after the jump. (more…)

“Dear PoP,

I’m sorry to report that an old friend of mine was stolen from our home at the 2100 block of V Street NW. My Raleigh road bike was in our back yard inside of a 14 foot high locked gate last Saturday night – and gone on Sunday morning. Although the race cycle is probably not worth much money these days, it helped me through several triathlons and a half Ironman over the past 10 years. I had planned on tuning her up again to loan to a friend who is in need of city transportation. Here is a description: Raleigh racer, Bright yellow and black, aerobars for long rides, toe clips, women’s comfort seat.

The bike is too old to still be on the company website, so I’ve attached a photo that looks pretty close. The logo is the same. If you see it, or have any information please contact me; [email protected] Thank you!”

I’m digging these new bike racks at 19th and Pennsylvania Ave, NW. Very clever.

Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

Don’t wait around too much longer. Thanks to a reader for sending a reminder to sign up now because “the $50 annual fee will go up to $75 after Oct 31st.”

“Dear PoP,

I noticed you had mentioned Capital Bikeshare once or twice, but I wanted to share a very positive experience using it and also to remind people that the $50 annual fee will go up to $75 after Oct 31st. This is a great time to sign up.

I used to walk a mile to the metro everyday, but now I take 20 minutes off my total commute time by taking Capital Bikeshare between 16th/Harvard and the Woodley Park metro. While there are times when bikes are not available, they seem to be very good about reshuffling bikes so my stations don’t go very long without bikes or spaces. This website is definitely the best resource for keeping up with bike distribution: http://oobrien.com/vis/bikes/?city=washingtondc Additionally the Spotcycle app for smartphones is very helpful.

In addition to commuting to the metro, I’ve taken the bikes around the city for errands and it is super easy and, dare-I-say, fun.

The first 30 minutes are free, and then the price goes up every 30 minutes. I’ve never gone over 30 minutes on any ride, but if you find yourself taking a trip across the city, you can stop at a bikeshare station and dock the bike and take it back out again to start a new 30 minutes.

The bikes are nothing fancy and don’t go very fast, but I find that to be best for cycling around the city. They do come equipped with three gears, a flashing light that comes on at night, and a bungee-corded holder on the front for jackets or small bags. I like how sturdy the bikes are because I don’t feel like I’m going to go flying if I accidentally bike over a pothole.

There is also a station near the back entrance of the zoo – on Rock Creek Trail – which makes for easy bike rides to Georgetown (where there is another bike station right off Rock Creek Trail).

Currently there are around 650 bikes in circulation, but I read that they’re planning to up the numbers to 1100 once they put in all the stations. I noticed on Saturday and Sunday that over 100 of the 650 bikes were being used during the day. That is pretty awesome for such a new program!

I own a bike, but it can be very inconvenient and unsafe to use it for short distance biking.

I’m interested to hear what other people think about the program – it has totally changed how I get around the city.”