My PSA from almost exactly a year ago has failed miserably.
This dockable bikeshare bike was chilling on a random side street in Forest Hills. So what happens. The last person to ride it checks their bill at the end of the month and are like WTF? Does it keep racking up charges until someone is kind enough to dock it for them? So many questions.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe Flood
Ed. Note: To be clear, OP is kidding around with this note, I mean it happened but obviously she is kidding around. I preface this because history has taught me that some will be confused.
“Dear PoPville,
I may have fallen for someone this weekend… I can’t stop thinking about this guy I encountered in Rock Creek Park. (Fair warning: this might be long, but why should love have a character limit?)
It was a beautiful Sunday in the park, and people were out picnicking, biking, hiking, running, and walking. As I ran past Peirce Mill, a cyclist caught my eye – swarthy, lean, coral shorts. Fortunately the opportunity to initiate contact presented itself: he had sped by the sign instructing cyclists to walk their bikes. (more…)
via Capital Bikeshare
From Capital Bikeshare:
“The wait is almost over! The new ebikes, known as Capital Bikeshare Plus, are battery operated pedal-assist bicycles and are part of a pilot that will run through November. Capital Bikeshare Plus ebikes will integrate seamlessly with the existing system and can be docked at any station.
With a motor that will give you a boost up to 18 mph, you’ll feel the thrill of the Capital Bikeshare Plus as you soar across the city. (more…)
From DDOT:
“The District Department of Transportation today announced it will continue the Dockless Vehicle Program for bicycles and scooters in the District.
The existing program will extend through December 2018 with minor changes. DDOT plans further changes to the program in 2019, once new regulations are proposed and adopted this Fall.
“Mayor Bowser consistently challenges us to think creatively about transportation options for District residents, as we have done for this program. We have learned a tremendous amount about the viability and performance of dockless vehicles through this demonstration project,” said DDOT Director Jeff Marootian. “As we move forward with the program, DDOT will use the information gleaned from users, non-users, stakeholders and the participating companies to design long-term management policies that will allow the program to expand while maintaining the integrity and safety of our public space.”
From the start of the program in September 2017 through June 2018 users took more than 625,000 rides on dockless bikes and scooters. In May 2018 alone, more than 55,000 users took over 140,000 trips.
Phase I Extension
The Phase 1 extension will run from September through December 2018 and maintain the current cap on vehicles at 400 per company. One of the key new features is a requirement that dockless bikes must have a mechanism for bikes to lock to a bike rack or other post to maintain unobstructed pedestrian areas and prevent tipping. (more…)
From H Street, NE. I haven’t figured out a good post for this one so what the hell
Sweet! Thanks to Frank and Adam for sending from Capital Bikeshare:
“We are updating and revising our Bicycle Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver and Release. Effective September 5, 2018, if you rent a bicycle or use our website or our other services after that time, you are agreeing to do so under the new terms.
Why are we doing this?
We have some exciting additions coming to the Capital Bikeshare fleet. Soon we’ll be introducing new pedal-assist bicycles as another solution for getting across Metro-DC. Therefore, we’ve changed our Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver and Release to include policies related to pedal-assist bicycles. (more…)
Victim’s photo via Lee Merritt/Facebook
Thanks to all who sent the Washington Post report:
“According to charging documents filed in D.C. Superior Court, Smith was riding his bike westbound in the center lane in the 3100 block of M Street.
The driver was in his car behind Smith and became angry that Smith was riding slowly, according to police. As the driver went past Smith, police said, Smith reached out and hit his car trunk with an object.
The driver then stopped his car and threatened to call police to report the damage. As Smith tried to pedal away, the driver grabbed Smith’s bike, police said. Smith then repeatedly called the driver the racial slur, police said, and struck him in the head with the bicycle U-lock.”
There are much more detailed allegations posted on attorney Lee Merritt’s Facebook [warning, there is a graphic photo of the head injury]: (more…)
God damn it. Ken reports:
“Someone smeared poop on 10 Capital Bikeshares at the 14th and V Street bike dock.”
Maddening for those who wish to ride them but downright awful for the poor soul who has to clean them. Ridiculous.
From ANC Commissioner Nick DelleDonne (2B04) via the Dupont listserv:
“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has prepared a draft plan to add a 2nd bike lane along 17th St. The plans propose a two-way bike path (as on 15th St.) from Lafayette Square to New Hampshire Ave and include the busy, mixed-use area between P and R Streets NW. As presented, DDOT would reduce vehicle traffic from 2 lanes to 1 lane (plus a turning lane at the intersections). Existing sidewalks would not be changed. Parking would be reduced by 20 spaces. Details here.”
From DDOT:
“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) launched a new survey to get feedback about the dockless vehicle demonstration project that is currently being piloted in the District.
The survey is designed to get a better understanding of how the program fits in the District’s existing bikesharing system and the profile of current dockless bikeshare riders. The survey asks respondents to evaluate the program and provide their perspective as riders or non-riders, respectively. The survey will be open to the public until June 1, 2018. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Joe Flood
From an email:
“We are coming out of hibernation a month early for some February Commuter Coffee!
The Bike Rack in partnership with Peregrine Espresso is offering Free HOT coffee for bicycle commuters on Wednesday morning, Feb. 15, from 7:30 am until about 9:30 am. We will be at the corner of 14th and Q streets NW.
We’ll be handing out free cups of coffee as you make your way into work or wherever you are headed. Bring your own travel mug or grab one of our cups. Look for our banner, stop by and have a cup of joe on us!”