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Bike Sharing to Kick Off in Washington, D.C.
by
findingDulcinea Staff
The first U.S. bike-sharing program, modeled after similar programs in Europe, will begin in Washington, D.C. in May 2008, while other cities scramble to follow suit.
30-Second Summary
SmartBike D.C. launches in May 2008, and is being modeled after bike-sharing initiatives already thriving in Europe. The program will start with 10 bike stations and 120 bikes for rent, with plans to expand if it proves successful.
The small program will probably not “make a dent” in congestion or crowding just yet, reports The Washington Post. However, if expanded, Washington’s bike-sharing system could help make urban life significantly greener.
Other U.S. cities, including Portland, Oregon, have tried more relaxed bike-sharing programs that left unlocked bikes on the street, resulting in thefts.
Paris’s bike-sharing program is often cited as a model by other cities. The system, called Vélib, garnered worldwide attention when it launched in July 2007, with a fleet of over 10,000 bicycles. Currently there are over 20,000 bikes available through the program.
“For a long time cars were associated with freedom of movement and flexibility. What we want to show people is that in many ways bicycles fulfill this role much more today,” said Socialist Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë, a devoted green-living advocate.
May is bike month in New York City, and other U.S. cities, including Tucson, Philadelphia and San Francisco, have high hopes for bike-sharing programs this year.
The small program will probably not “make a dent” in congestion or crowding just yet, reports The Washington Post. However, if expanded, Washington’s bike-sharing system could help make urban life significantly greener.
Other U.S. cities, including Portland, Oregon, have tried more relaxed bike-sharing programs that left unlocked bikes on the street, resulting in thefts.
Paris’s bike-sharing program is often cited as a model by other cities. The system, called Vélib, garnered worldwide attention when it launched in July 2007, with a fleet of over 10,000 bicycles. Currently there are over 20,000 bikes available through the program.
“For a long time cars were associated with freedom of movement and flexibility. What we want to show people is that in many ways bicycles fulfill this role much more today,” said Socialist Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë, a devoted green-living advocate.
May is bike month in New York City, and other U.S. cities, including Tucson, Philadelphia and San Francisco, have high hopes for bike-sharing programs this year.
Headline Links: Washington, D.C. takes the lead
The Washington Post reports that the first bicycle-sharing program in the United States has been unveiled in the nation’s capital. SmartBike D.C. launches in May 2008, and is being modeled after similar bike-sharing initiatives in Europe. The program will start with 10 bike stations and 120 bikes, with plans to expand if it proves successful.
Source: The Washington Post (Associated Press)
Philadelphia also has plans to establish a bike-sharing program within a year, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. City officials aim to initiate the first large-scale public program of its kind in the United States, with at least 1,000 bicycles in use, but funding questions remain. Public bike-sharing programs are typically financed by advertising.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
In Tucson, AZ, the City Cycle bike-sharing program is taking off, according to the Tucson Citizen. A fleet of 23 bikes for city workers has been in service since January 2008, with the goal of reducing fuel consumption and improving air quality, as well as promoting an active lifestyle. “We want to get people who don't normally get on bikes to get on bikes,” said Tucson Mayor Tom Thivener.
Source: Tucson Citizen
New York City has cautiously tested the idea of bike sharing, reports The New York Times. In July 2007, New York Bike-Share held a five-day experiment that allowed free use of bikes for up to 30 minutes. “The big questions for us are how to combat theft and vandalism, which are two problems prevalent in New York,” said Molly Gordy of the City Department of Transportation.
Source: The New York Times City Room blog
May 2008 is the 17th annual Bike Month in New York, and features various events for cyclists around the city, including fix-your-own-bike workshops, critical mass rides and bike tours of the five boroughs.
Source: Bike Month NYC
Background: The European models
AFP reported in November 2007 that several American cities “eager for greener solutions” had begun setting up bike-sharing programs based on successful European models. Enthusiasts in Washington D.C. had been researching the concept before several bike-sharing programs launched in Europe. “I think it’s going to be amazing how fast bike sharing grows in North America,” said Jim Sebastian, of the D.C. transportation department.
Source: AFP
Paris’ bike-sharing program garnered worldwide attention when it launched in July 2007 in an effort to reduce car traffic and encourage eco-friendly transport. “This is about revolutionizing urban culture,” said Pierre Aidenbaum, mayor of Paris’s third district.
Source: The New York Times
Related Topics: Other cities’ bike dreams
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that San Francisco was considering a contract proposal with Clear Channel in October 2007 that would finance the cost of a bike-sharing operation. The bikes, if used for mini-trips during lunch hours and for running quick errands, would “create a more sustainable transportation system,” said the article.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Montreal also has bike-sharing dreams, according to the Montreal Gazette. The city hopes to create programs similar to those in French cities like Paris and Lyon, with “large-scale self-serve public bicycle rental” services in place by late 2009, said the article.
Source: Montreal Gazette
Reference: Resources for bike fiends
The Washington D.C.-based Bike-Sharing Blog reports on emerging programs around the world, and links to established international bike-sharing programs and bike-sharing research resources.
Source: Bike-Sharing Blog
The findingDulcinea New York City Survival Guide has a section on bike riding in New York City, with maps, rules and safety, bike events and cycling clubs.
Source: findingDulcinea
Transportation Alternatives is an advocate for bicycling, walking and public transit, offering cycling maps and bike law listings, among other resources for casual and dedicated riders alike. The organization also focuses on traffic-calming and car-free parks, and is working to transform New York into a bike-friendly place.
Source: Transportation Alternatives
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