Bikeshare

Dockless bicycles and scooters shall continue through December but there’s a catch

By Prince Of Petworth

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…)

“Soon we’ll be introducing new pedal-assist bicycles as another solution for getting across Metro-DC.”

By Prince Of Petworth


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…)

Serious Allegations that a Racist Man Struck a Man on the Head with his bicycle lock, Arrest Made, Hate crime charges possible

By Prince Of Petworth


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…)

Would You Like To See 17th Street, from Lafayette Square to New Hampshire Ave, Get a 2 way protected bike lane like on 15th?

By Prince Of Petworth

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.”


Your chance to give DDOT feedback on Dockless Bikes

By Prince Of Petworth

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…)

Free coffee for bike commuters going through Logan tomorrow morning

By Prince Of Petworth

free_coffee_logan
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!”

RFP Released for MBT Extension to Fort Totten!

By Prince Of Petworth

MBT
Photo by PoPville flickr user Matt Calvert

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the design-build construction of the next phase of the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The Fort Totten section of the Metropolitan Branch Trail will connect from where it currently ends on John McCormack Drive in Brookland, to the Fort Totten Metro Station.

“This is the next major milestone in the District’s commitment to completing the construction of the Metropolitan Branch Trail,” said Leif Dormsjo, DDOT Director. “A design-build approach will help us engage the creativity of the construction community to bring their ideas to the final design and construction.”

The Metropolitan Branch Trail is an 8-mile multi-use trail that connects Union Station in the District of Columbia to Silver Spring Maryland. The new trail will provide a direct off-street route for bicyclists and pedestrians through the Fort Totten area.

The trail will include LED lighting, security cameras, and wayfinding signage. (more…)

“In its most recent update to its “User Agreement,” Capital Bikeshare has slipped in a forced arbitration clause and class action ban that significantly affects the rights of Bikeshare members.”

By Prince Of Petworth

bikeshare-crash
Photo by PoPville flickr user James Warner

“Dear PoPville,

Thought this was interesting. Folks should protect their rights.”

From Public Justice’s Opt Out of Capital Bikeshare’s Forced Arbitration Clause by Dani Zylberberg:

“In its most recent update to its “User Agreement,” Capital Bikeshare—the hugely popular bike program in the Washington, D.C. area—has slipped in a forced arbitration clause and class action ban that significantly affects the rights of Bikeshare members. In fact, this new “User Agreement” only benefits Capital Bikeshare, not its members. But if you are a Capital Bikeshare member there is something you can do about it: Opt Out!

Capital Bikeshare’s new “User Agreement” forces users to give up their right to go to court, and instead sends dispute that would typically be heard by a court into arbitration, which almost always favors corporations over consumers. That’s because arbitrators—who are often hired again and again by corporations to hear these disputes—unsurprisingly tend to rule in favor of the company that is bringing the arbitrator repeat business. (more…)

You’re Doing it Wrong

By Prince Of Petworth

bikeshare chain

A reader sends yesterday afternoon from the 1700 block of P Street, NW.

Safetrack surges have taken competition for these things to a new level?

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