BikeDC

via Big Think

“Dear PoPville,

I write part-time for Big Think and was contacted recently by a PR rep from PBSC Urban Solutions, the company that designs/supplies the bikes and stations used by Capital Bikeshare and other cities’ systems. They recently unveiled a new family of bicycle models that could be integrated into existing systems should the local company be interested in expanding. Included in this new set is an electric bicycle, which I imagine would be very enticing to folks who trek the various hills in town.

Not sure if local DC vehicle regulations would accept a motor-aided bike, but it certainly is interesting. I’ll reiterate that it’s not for certain that Capital Bikeshare would bring in the newer, lighter bikes — just that they now have the option. As a daily rider, I hope they make the move.”

A reader wonders:

“I can’t tell if these kids love or hate this, but I see them regularly. Seems rough on a day like today.”

I have to say my old neighbors used to commute like this and the kids absolutely loved it. They loved it whether it was 25 degrees or 95 degrees out. The only negative I can recall was that going up big hills was brutal.

Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

“Bike vs Bus

To the cyclist who was run off the road by a 96 metrobus last night at 6 p.m. at East Capitol and Kentucky SE, I saw the incident and reported it to WMATA with the bus ID number.

Very frightening behavior from a bus operator who ran cyclist off the road from a bike lane. The cyclist approached the stopped bus and asked the driver if he saw him. The bus pulled away and seemed to intentionally lurch toward that same cyclist half a block later while the bus was crossing the bike lane.”

You can see all forum topics and add your own here. If you are having trouble uploading your question please email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail Please Note this is NOT an events calendar.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Elvert Barnes

From DDOT:

“Saturday, February 6, 2016
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
(presentation at 1:00 pm)
KIPP DC WILL Academy- Auditorium
421 P Street NW
Closest Metro: Shaw (Green, Yellow) Bus Line: G2

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a public meeting for the Eastern Downtown Protected Bike Lanes Study. The purpose of this meeting is to present draft alternative designs and the no-build option with the results of a traffic analysis for each. The meeting will have both an open house, with an opportunity to learn about and discuss the project, and a presentation followed by an opportunity for public testimony. (more…)

From a press release:

“DC Bike Ride, a scenic urban bicycle ride celebrating the people, places, and culture of Washington, D.C. will debut in the District on May 22, as an exciting addition to National Bike Month celebrations.

The recreational ride offers a unique car-free tour of the nation’s capital. Riders will cruise past some of the most iconic sites taking in everything from the Washington Monument to the
White House and the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Participants will conclude their journey with a post-ride celebration near the United States Capitol.

“We are excited to join our partners in presenting a non-competitive biking event for all ages and abilities,” Capital Sports Ventures Chief Executive Officer Greg Bibb stated. “DC Bike Ride will celebrate and promote biking, a healthy lifestyle and street safety while allowing participants from throughout the region and beyond to enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey through the District.”

The inaugural 2016 event expects to include 8,000 riders, but the ride is projected to grow to 18,000 in the coming years, becoming a premiere recreational cycling event on the east coast. (more…)