By Colleen Heenan
This month, Washington D.C. is kicking into high gear, joining the likes of other major international cities, by launching the first public bike-sharing program in the U.S. European cities such as Barcelona and Paris have already implemented their own successful bike-sharing programs, transforming their public transportation scene. Other American cities such Portland and Austin started a more “low-tech” version of the bike-sharing program, but were not successful. If D.C.’s bike-sharing program becomes a hit, they could become a role model for other U. S. cities to hit the commuting pavement with two wheels.
One of the most successful bike-share programs is in Paris; the “la Velorution” (which translates to bike free) has over 20,000 bikes and 1,400 rental locations. D.C.’s new bike-sharing program, called SmartBike DC, will probably never reach the size of Paris’ but is hopeful to relieve both commuting and environmental stress in the city.
The plan is to start small and first target the more experienced riders. SmartBike DC started by renting out 120 bikes at 10 self-service racks with $40 annual membership cards available. There is a three hour limit per bike, but you can drop off bikes and pick up new ones with no limit on trips.
The fact that SmartBike DC wants to cater to a smaller more experienced crowd is a smart initial move. There is a less of a chance for accident with experienced riders giving the program its first test. A successful beginning gives this program a chance to work.
With more people leaving their cars at home-due to the raising gas prices- SmartBike DC should be an attractive option that could potentially save people money and time. Anyone who has been in DC traffic (or any large city traffic for that matter) knows how long it can take you to get only a few miles down the road.
SmartBike DC is also taking the safety factor into their hands as much as possible. Because they do not offer helmets (do to health concerns), but give each member a safe-cycling guide encouraging helmet use, a copy of the District’s manual on cycling laws, and a map of the city. You must be 18 years old to ride.
So far, SmartBike DC is around 150 members and growing. We will have to wait some time to hear if the program is working and flourishing. But I think that DC Department of Transportation has made a large leap in the right direction in promoting green city growth. This could also challenge other U.S. cities to join in the green commute revolution!
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1 comments:
Bike commuting is only possible when commuters have a safe drivable route to work. Workers that live too far from the office can commute by bike if they shift their office to a Remote Office Center located near where they live.
Remote Office Centers lease individual offices, internet and phone systems to workers from different companies in shared centers located around the city and suburbs.
Many office workers spend their entire day either on the phone or on a computer system attached to the internet. Remote working is perfect for these workers.
Remote Office Centers are fairly new, but can be found in most large cities by doing a web search on "Remote Office Centers" in quotes.
There are probably thousands of people who drive their car through heavy traffic every day, and then when they get home drive to a workout center to peddle a stationary bike in order to get in shape. Only in America....
Most Americans really want to get healthy and they want to cut their fuel costs. Remote working makes it possible for people to do both.
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