Back in the beginning of May a reader asked if Smartbike was going to expand into more neighborhoods. Readers had lots of good suggestions for new sites to host stations. Well, now DDOT has launched a new Web site survey where you can suggest a new location. So for those who were suggesting new locations be sure to also input your requests here.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Dave Kleinschmidt
“Dear PoP,
I’ve recently gotten back into cycling and have noticed a lot of bike riders cruising around on bikes with a fixed gear, meaning that there are no shifters, derailleurs, etc. Aside from the looking kind of cool, I am wondering if there are non-aesthetic advantages of removing the gearing from a bicycle. Don’t hills present a problem? And why not just buy a bike with multiple gears and never change the shift position? And from what I have seen at local bike shops, fixies are no cheaper than a bike with 10+ gears. I’ve been told that the indefinable “hipsters” often ride them, but I don’t want to see the discussion devolve into another discussion of the “h-word”. Rather, simply why ride a bike with only one gear?”
I don’t know if this is going to be possible without discussing the “h-word”, I hope I’m wrong – but for those who like to ride fixed gear bikes – can you explain the appeal?
Photo by PoPville flickr user Tyrannous
The Examiner shares this disturbing news:
“A trio of thieves brazenly made off with two mountain bikes from the Fenty family garage in the Crestwood neighborhood while the mayor’s around-the-clock security detail guarded the family home a few yards away, internal police documents show.
The thefts occurred on June 3 around 7:40 p.m., while officers were on the grounds of the Fenty home, records show.”
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.
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?
“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.”
“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…)
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.
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?”
Plus I just noticed that Gibson/Marvin (14th and U Sts, NW) got some legit bike parking spots:
