BikeDC

Happy Earth Day – Ride a Bikeshare for Free on Monday

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

Ed. Note: Very cool but remember, these will be the self propelled rides.

From Capital Bikeshare:

“Capital Bikeshare will offer free 24-hour passes this Earth Day, April 22nd, encouraging DC-area residents to give bikeshare a try and choose sustainable, healthy, and fun transportation for their Monday commute.

Riders can obtain their free day pass by downloading the Capital Bikeshare app on April 22nd and entering the promo code EARTHDAY19, providing 24 hours of unlimited 30-minute rides on classic Capital Bikeshare bikes. (more…)

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are proactively removing the electric bikes from service for the time being.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

From Capital Bikeshare:

“Since Capital Bikeshare first deployed electric bikes last year, riders have taken thousands of rides and shared with us incredibly helpful and overwhelmingly positive feedback.

However, we recently received a small number of reports from riders who experienced stronger than expected braking force on the front wheel. (more…)

“Capital Bikeshare customer service is now supported by Lyft”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Not sure if you are aware of this, capital bike share is now supported by lyft. Try finding a phone number for support in the app. I’m not a big fan of this new relationship, can we expect random price increases similar to Jump? Perhaps is this the reasoning for the $1 surcharge for ebikes?”

Ed. Note: Lyft posted in July 2018:

“We are excited to announce that Lyft has reached a transformative agreement to acquire Motivate [who runs Capital bikeshare], the largest bikeshare operator in North America. Together Lyft and Motivate will revolutionize urban transportation and put bikeshare systems across the country on a path toward growth and innovation.”

Has anyone noticed a difference since then?

“I’ve been cycling in the city for about 6 years now and had my first wreck after a run in with a metro bus. I’m hoping someone onboard witnessed what happened.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Wondering if any readers can help me with some good old fashioned sleuthing.

I’ve been cycling in the city for about 6 years now and had my first wreck after a run in with a metro bus. I’m hoping someone onboard witnessed what happened.

On Monday, April 1st around 6:15pm I was biking northbound on Rhode Island Ave NW just past 6th St NW when I noticed the metrobus behind me (likely G9, given the time/place, but I didn’t see the number) was getting pretty close to my rear tire and traveling as a faster speed than I was. The light at New Jersey was green, and I don’t believe the bus driver saw me as they sped up to continue thru the intersection (I was on the right hand side of the right lane since bikes share the road on this part of Rhode Island Ave). Rather than get rear-ended on a bike, I attempted to avoid a crash by entering the driveway of the Valero, but the uneven ground caught my tire and sent me flying. The bus continued on without stopping, and I got a 1-way ticket to the ER, complete with a broken elbow, sprains, and a pretty impressive black eye. (more…)

“Sustainable transportation advocates to march and ride to demand K St NE road diet and green space”

By Prince Of Petworth


via Green K Street March/Ride

From a press release:

“Sustainable transportation advocates from around DC will gather on Sun., Mar. 31 at 12 p.m. to call attention to the need for safety measures, including a road diet, on K Street, an essential east-west arterial that crosses North Capitol Street. K Street is an essential through-route for bike commuters, including parents and school children, as it connects connects downtown and Mount Vernon Square to the bike lanes on 4th and 6th Streets NE and the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Organizers are planning a picnic, march and bike ride from the green space at 800 K St NE to 440 K St NW. (more…)

“Capital Bikeshare announced today that it will expand its fleet of electric Capital Bikeshare Plus bikes to 500”

By Prince Of Petworth


via Capital Bikeshare

From a press release:

“Capital Bikeshare announced today that it will expand its fleet of electric Capital Bikeshare Plus bikes to 500 under the pilot program which began in September 2018. The original pilot had 85 electric bikes. The ebikes – which are pedal-assist – provide an electric boost up to speeds of 18 mph and make it easier than ever to climb hills and travel longer distances. Early results from the program have shown the bikes to be very popular and will help riders get around the DC Metro area quickly and easily.

The additional ebikes will be added to the system beginning March 18 and gradually increased over several weeks. Because the ebikes have a higher cost than classic bikes and in order to support this new product and related operations, Capital Bikeshare is introducing a $1 unlock fee per ebike ride for riders beginning April 15. Riders who are eligible for Financial Assistance Programs will not be charged the fee. (more…)

Sexual Assault Friday Morning in Truxton Circle, Arrest Made; Saturday Night Armed Robbery on the Metropolitan Branch Trail

By Prince Of Petworth


via google maps

From MPD:

“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit announced an arrest has been made in reference to a First Degree Sexual Abuse and an Assault with the Intent to Commit Robbery that occurred on Friday, March 08, 2019, in the 200 block of P Street, Northwest.

At approximately 11:00 am, the victim was approached by the suspect, at the listed location, as she was getting into a ride share vehicle. The suspect sexually assaulted her and attempted to take her property then fled the scene. The suspect was apprehended by responding officers.

On Friday, March 8, 2019, 36-year-old Broadus Johnson, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with First Degree Sexual Abuse and Assault with the Intent to Commit Robbery.

From MPD Saturday night:

“Armed Robbery Gun at 2328 hrs on the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Lookout for (10) B/M’S, ages in their teens, wearing all black clothing and armed with dark and silver guns. Last seen running North on the trail.”

Terrible Bicycle/Garbage Truck Crash in Truxton; Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle in Brookland/Langdon

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to all who reported this horrible crash around 5pm last night:

“Entire street closed at NJ. Helmet and jacket on ground looked to be soaked in blood next to mangled bike. Horrifying. Hoping the victim is OK but I have no idea as to their condition.”

“NJ & R crash is bad. There’s a mangled bike and a garbage truck.”

WUSA9 reported:

“Police say the bicyclist was conscious and breathing when officers arrived and was transported to the hospital.

Police say the driver stayed on the scene after the accident.”

Updates when/if more is known on the cyclist’s condition.

From MPD:

“On 3/6/2019, at approximately 12:25 AM, Fifth District Officers responded to the 1500 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, for the report of a pedestrian that had been struck by a vehicle. The officers arrived on the scene and located the victim, an adult male, laying in the roadway, unconscious and barely breathing. The victim was rushed to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The striking vehicle did not stay on the scene, and was last seen fleeing westbound on Rhode Island Avenue, NE, from Franklin Street, NE. (more…)

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