BikeDC

Dear PoP – Witnessing Bikes Being Stolen

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I just saw (last week) four kids ages maybe 12-14 at the Columbia Heights metro station in front of Potbelly’s with bolt cutters stealing one bike and trying to cut another one lose. There were plenty of people around which did not seem to disturb them. I just happened to walk by and they definitely realized I was noticing their ‘work’, but I was totally unsure how to react; whether to confront them or call the police. In the end I realized calling 911 would not get the cops there in time, and I was afraid of consequences directly approaching them. Where is the police when you need them? In the end I saw a police car in front of the target and ran over there, but there was no officer around. Maybe that threatened the kids as they were taking off once I got to the police car and left the attempt on the second bike unfinished (I got to meet the owner later on coincidentally, as she just came back and told her about her luck), but the other bike got taken. How would you react in such a situation and I am curious to hear other peoples suggestions on what could have been done maybe also to keep the other bike from being taken away?

I guess I will keep storing my different bikes with me in my flat.”

This is a very tough question. I think if it is daytime and there are many people around, it would be ok to confront them and say something like, “hey what are you doing? What’s going on?” or something like that. The video up top was done by two brothers in NYC who show exactly how easy it is to steal a bike without anyone saying anything in broad daylight. What do you guys recommend in this situation?

Capitol Hill Bikes Has Lost Its Lease

By Prince Of Petworth

Wow, this is sad news. Capitol Hill Bikes located at 709 8th St SE on Barracks Row is liquidating their inventory. Thanks to a reader for sending:

“After 9 years, we’ve lost our lease and must liquidate our entire inventory!

Bikes, clothing, accessories, parts, fixtures–Everything must go!

Come in early for the best selection! Store opens at 11 a.m. sharp.

Up to 75% off

We’ve been proud to serve the Capitol Hill community for these many years and we hope to be able to do so again. Until then, we must liquidate and vacate our current space. Please show your support by doing some early Christmas shopping or getting that new set of wheels you’ve been wanting.”

Incidentally, another reader asks:

“Where’s the best place in DC to get a retro bike? What are the top 5
bike stores in the city..not for road bikes, but for casual bikes.”

I know there were lots of fans of Rollin Cycles at 1320 14th Street, NW and the Bike Rack located at 1412 Q Street, NW.

Bike Lane on 15th Street, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Ah so here’s what it looks like. I’ve never seen one that was between the curb and parked cars before. Do you think it makes parallel parking harder? I imagine as a cyclist it is preferable to be in a lane like this rather than next to moving traffic, right?

Bike Lane Construction Begins on 15th Street

By Prince Of Petworth

As a reader noted in the comments on Friday, construction has begun on 15th Streets. These orange cones have sprung up on a huge section of 15th Street (where it is one way). Back in February we learned that there was going to north and southbound bike lanes. So far there there was only cones on one side of the street. Do you like the idea of north and southbound bike lanes?

Slate Article on Cyclists Following (or not) the Rules of the Road

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader thought you guys would enjoy this article from Slate titled, Stop Means Stop, How do we get bikers to obey traffic laws? One part of the article cites DC Code:

The D.C. Code recognizes the special status of bikes. Bikes shall follow all traffic laws, the code says, except for rules that “can have no reasonable application to a bicycle operator.” Presumably, this refers to laws governing highways, some sidewalks, and other non-bicycle-friendly turf. It doesn’t apply to the stop-sign scenario, even though some bicycle advocates argue that stop signs “have no reasonable application to a bicycle operator.”

Given all the discussions we’ve had on this issue and all the accidents we’ve heard about, it seems erring on the side of safety and following the rules of the road is probably the wisest action.

Judging Cool New Structures – Bike Station at Union Station

By Prince Of Petworth

How do you think the new bike station located right outside Union Station, turned out? I think it looks super cool? I know I’ll be called daft, obtuse and more but can someone please explain the purpose to me. Who will use this? Bikers from outside of DC who then will take the metro to work?

And of course do you like the structure itself?

Rogue “Ghost Bikes” Appear at 20th and R Streets, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

On Aug. 31st we spoke about the removal of the Ghost Bike memorial to Alice Swanson at 20th and R.

I received the following email this morning:

“Early this morning, 22 white bicycles (ghost bikes) were placed around the intersection of Connecticut Avenue, R Street, and 20th Street NW, at the location where cyclist Alice Swanson was killed. The bikes are replacing the original ghost bike which was removed by the city under the direction of the Mayor’s office. The city has also removed the secondary memorial placed by Ms. Swanson’s aunt. The original ghost bike was placed in front of La Tomate restaurant by the Washington Area Bicycle Association as a memorial to Ms. Swanson and a warning of the dangers that confront cyclists.

The bikes will be decorated with flowers throughout the day. A blog with a statement about the revenge of the ghost bikes can be found at: aliceswansonridesagain.wordpress.com“

Update on 2204 14th Street, NW – To Become “Bicycle Stations”

By Prince Of Petworth

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that the space at 2204 14th St., NW would become a bike rental spot. On Monday, I had the opportunity to speak with the owner, Stephen Harrell, who was able to fill in a number of details.

This location will actually be the first of three. He hopes to open the 14th Street location in the next week or two. The second DC location will be at 2033 P Street, NW. The third one will be located in Old Town, Alexandria. The P Street and Old Town locations should open in the next 2 months or so.

In addition to a rental spot the store will also service bicycles and sell them as well. On his Facebook page Harrell says:

“DC Bicycle Stations will provide high-line rentals, service and sales of accessories. Please stop by to rent one of many bicycles to enjoy the beautiful city of Washington, DC.

And by the way, if you need to have a romantic date we are able to cater a lunch bag and a blanket for you and your date.”

The second part of his message is pretty interesting. He explained to me that there will be a concierge service that can drop off and pick up rentals as well as provide other services upon request. Cost for the rentals is $65 per day and these bikes are rather high end retailing for around $1000.

Sounds pretty cool. The Bicycle Stations Web site is currently under construction.

Dear PoP – Bicyclist Injured on Mass Ave. Anyone Know What Happened?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

This morning as I was driving toward Maryland on Mass. Ave, I saw a blonde girl (maybe in her 20’s?) sitting on the street at Rock Creek Drive. She appeared to be injured, and there was a bicycle on the road. Several people were helping her, including a guy in a suit. Does anyone have any more information about this? I hope the girl is okay.”

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