BikeDC

‘Eric Hilton, citizen cyclist – perhaps better known as half of DC’s famed electronica duo Thievery Corporation.’ Photo by Bill Crandall

My friend, neighbor and former editor of Petworth News, Bill Crandall, has started a new blog on Citizen Cycling! He explains:

“Citizen Cycling (quickly becoming a global movement) is everyday biking for the rest of us. Bike-as-you-are, hop-on-and-go, in normal clothes (chic if that’s you), totally inclusive, no need for special gear or an alternative lifestyle.

It can mean radically re-thinking how we ride here, figuring out where we’ve gone wrong. In DC, biking tends to be speed and fear over style and joy. It doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re determined to ride in the midst of traffic, you’re setting yourself up for grief. Why not slow down, stay out of the scrum, take your time, stop for coffee. You’ll show up looking and feeling good, at the price of a few minutes.

Time for Citizen Cycling. A better biking city makes a better city.”

Be sure to check out the blog, District Citizen Cycling.

From a press release:

“The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the General Services Administration (GSA), and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that they are offering corporate bike memberships to their employees in the Washington, DC metropolitan area through the District’s Capital Bikeshare Program. The District kick-started the program last Monday and by late-October it is slated to become the largest in the nation.”

I think this is a great idea. But I have a question about Capital Bike distribution. I notice that some stations (like the one above at 16th and Harvard) are packed with bikes and other are empty or nearly empty (like the one below at 18th and Columbia Rd, NW). So my questions is – and I know the system is still relatively new – are the bikes there when you need them? I just got my packet in the mail today and I’m a bit nervous because over half the time I pass the Petworth station it is empty. What have you guys noticed around town?

“Dear PoP,

In my mind, this is a pretty clear cut case of cars being dangerous, bikes being vulnerable, and infrastructure failing to mediate the situation, but the first comment on YouTube was a bike hater saying I should ride on the sidewalk. I’m hoping this video will draw attention to the danger at this intersection, but am also curious how your readers will respond.”

For folks who use the bike lanes – do you share these experiences? If so do you think they require barriers like 15th St, NW. Are there other barriers that can be put in place. Or is this just the reality?

Photo by PoPville flickr user JRoseC

“Saturday, September 25– The legendary 50 States and 13 Colonies Ride is back in 2010. Are you ready to try one of the hardest rides in DC? We provide the Start/Finish area and 3 pit stops fully stocked with water, food, and a bike mechanic.

The most unique and challenging bike ride in DC! This 60+ mile ride is for cyclists experienced and comfortable with riding through the city streets with traffic. The 50 States ride covers all 50 state streets in all 8 Wards in search of the District of Columbia’s statehood. Often been referred to as “brutal,” “insane,” and “engrossing.” You have not seen the city of Washington by bike until you have done the 50 States Ride.

*Cue sheets will be available the day of the ride. Because some of the cues may change last minute due to construction projects and road closures, WABA will not provide cue sheets in advance.

13 Colonies

Not quite as challenging as the 50 States Ride, but equally as enjoyable. Ride on all the streets named for every one of the 13 original colonies. This ride is a little under 15 miles and is also for cyclists who are comfortable with riding on city streets with traffic.

*Cue sheets will be available the day of the ride

Register Now>>

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Photo by PoPville flickr user kevnkovl

A couple of weeks ago we talked about Capital Bikeshare but today (and this weekend) you can see the stations all over town. Even though I saw a map, I was still surprised about how many stations I passed on my walkabout. I was particularly happy to see one nearly outside the Red Derby at 14th at Spring St, NW. You can learn all about the program and sign up here.

Right near Red Derby

Bike across the street from Petworth metro by Sweet Mango

These are located outside the Eastern Market Metro though I’ve seen them at many metro stops across the city (Petworth had them for a while but no longer does). According to WMATA:

“Bicycle lockers provide excellent, secure bicycle parking by improving protection from theft, vandalism, and inclement weather. The lockers are designed to hold one bicycle each as well as bicycle gear such as panniers, locks, lights, etc. Users will receive one key that will only open one locker. Each locker has a unique lock and key to provide maximum security. Bicycle lockers are available for $200 for one year plus a $10 key deposit.”

Anyone have one? If so, did you have to go on a waiting list or were you able to get one right away? Does the $200 fee seem reasonable? You can see a list of stations with lockers here.