BikeDC

BicycleSpace Coming to Mt. Vernon Square

By Prince Of Petworth

Lots of exciting developments for the Mt. Vernon Square neighborhood. I happened to walk by a sign for a new bicycle shop coming to town at 459 I St, NW. BicycleSpace’s Web site (splash page) says they will be a hub for cycling activity in the city. I spoke with one of the principals, Erik Kugler, who echoed this sentiment and mentioned the many bike routes that are being scouted for fun community rides. And of course you can buy a new bike and/or get your bike fixed. While they hope to open in the next month or so, in the meantime they are fixing bikes for free (see photo above) Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., from 5pm – 7pm. I’ll be sure to update as an opening date approaches. The folks were super nice, so I’m eager to track their progress and planned activities.

Dear PoP – shower access for commuter bikers?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from PoPville flickr user Jess J

“Dear PoP,

I was hoping I could get some recommendations on access to showers for local gyms. I ask because I’d like to start biking to work, and with summer on its way and a long, uphill commute, I’m trying to find a cheap solution to the gross problem of sweating after a long bike ride to work. I’m fresh out of grad school and fairly broke, so a regular gym membership is out of my price range, and there is no shower access at my office building. I know WABA recommends trying to get reduced membership rate to a local gym that just allows shower access, and I’m curious to see if anyone knows of gyms that actually do this (I work in Dupont). I suppose I could just use baby wipes, but wanted to explore other options as well. . .”

Does anyone use the YMCA in Dupont? Other suggestions?

Reader Submitted Smartbike Update

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Just got this update from Smartbike, thought you might want to share w/ the rest of your readers. It’s vague, but it’s a start! I’d love a little more explanation about the charging in 30 min increments (on top of the annual membership? That’s lame), and a better name for the program, as the attached factsheet (see below) links to a survey for potential names.”

Bike Share q and a fact sheet for smartbike members

Dear PoP – Shouldn’t SmartBike Expand to more Neighborhoods?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I’ve always thought it would make sense for Smartbike to have stations at some farther locations in DC. I mean, isn’t the point to cut down on traffic? If so, they’re not going to do the trick by only offering bikes in such a small radius! Any way to start a community petition (on your website ;-) to get a bank of bikes in Petworth?”

You are in luck – DDOT just released a press release this morning (Bike to work day and all) announcing Bike Sharing’s expansion. I know Columbia Heights is slated to get some but I’m not sure about Petworth. If folks want Petworth to get a spot as well be sure to leave that sentiment in the comments and I’ll be sure to forward to DDOT.

Here’s the press release:

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Arlington County Board Chairman Jay Fisette and District Department of Transportation Director (DDOT) Gabe Klein today announced a joint effort to expand bike sharing tenfold in the Washington area. Both Arlington and the District have each signed contracts for what will become a regional bike sharing system later this year.

“We are extremely excited to lead the nation once again in bike sharing,” said Mayor Fenty. “The response to the bike sharing program has been unprecedented and we are pleased to be able to join with Arlington in our expansion efforts.”

This expanded, regional system follows the success of SmartBikeDC, launched in 2008. The new system will launch later this year with roughly 1100 bikes at 114 stations and will be largest of its kind in the U.S.

Continues after the jump including a naming contest for the new system at the bottom of press release. (more…)

Good Samaritan Saves A Bike From Getting Stolen

By Prince Of Petworth

Gotta give props to this guy with his back to the camera in the photo who called the cops Mon. afternoon when he noticed a guy with bolt cutters stealing a bike. And props to the cops for catching the thief. It is very easy to do nothing – so thanks to this guy for doing the right thing and saving someone’s bike on 11th Street, NW near Columbia Heights Coffee.

Dear PoP – Where do people store their bikes?

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

“Dear PoP,

I have an interesting question that might be of benefit to others. My wife and I are getting ready to buy some nice new bikes. How do folks around here store their bikes. My mother-in-law lives in our basement, so unfortunately that isn’t an option. Do folks have any suggestions for how to store a bike outside while protecting it from the elements AND from the local thugs?”

Sign of the Times

By Prince Of Petworth

DC is definitely giving bikers some serious respect. I’d never seen signs like these before. It was pointing to bike parking in the DC USA’s lot in Columbia Heights.

Should You Be Able to Get a D.U.I. while on a Bike?

By Prince Of Petworth

From NBC Washington:

Don’t drink and drive; don’t booze and bike. The D.C. Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the city’s ban on driving under the influence also applies to bicyclists.

According to the law, drivers are prohibited from “operating a vehicle” under the influence of alcohol.

In January 2007, Baker Everton was arrested for riding his bike under the influence. According to the appeals court, police found him shouting next to his bike and barely able to stand. Officers warned him not to get on the bike, but he did it anyway. He then hit a child in a crosswalk before losing control and falling over.

Well it sounds like this guy should definitely have been arrested for something. I think arresting people like this should probably fall under public intoxication and/or disturbing the peace. I’m not sure DUI for those that ride bikes is such a good idea because I know folks who specifically ride bikes so they don’t have to drive to bars. I’d way rather have drunk people on bikes than driving cars…

Dear PoP – The Bike House Open Sat. and DC Blues Society Sat. Night

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

Old bike ain’t what she used to be? The Bike House is up and running for the season! The Bike House is a do-it-yourself bike repair coop that operates out of Qualia Coffee in Petworth. Now in their second season, these folks are ready to help you fix a flat, adjust those squeaky brakes, or just chat about good routes and groups in the area. Check them out this Saturday 12 – 3 behind Qualia Coffee (3917 Georgia Avenue, NW).”

Ed. Note: Qualia is a PoP advertiser. You can learn more about Bike House here – About the Bike House 4.2010 Vert

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Photo courtesy of DC Blues Society

“Dear PoP,
I don’t think I’ve ever seen any posts about the DC Blues Society.

Clarence The Bluesman Turner Saturday April 10, 2010
9pm until 12am
Doors open at 8pm

American Legion Post #8
244 D Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
202-543-9163 for info
Open to the public
Door Prizes and Raffles

Tickets:

Advance online – $12 DCBS members $15.00 nonmembers
At the door – $17 DCBS members $20.00 nonmembers”

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