Share the Wheels

Washington, D.C., is stepping up to the challenges of climate change, obesity and congestion by joining more than 60 communities around the world that host bike-share programs. The District will be the first city in North America, in fact, to institute a self-service public bike rental system, which will be designed similar to Paris' highly acclaimed bike-share program, Velíb.
 
Through "SmartBike DC," managed by Clear Channel , 120 bicycles will be placed at 10 Metro transit stations throughout the downtown business district. For $39.99 a year, members will be able to 'borrow' a bicycle for up to three hours by simply swiping their specially issued SmartBike cards at any of the 10 stations. Since bicycles are meant primarily for travel between Metro stations, additional locks will not be provided.
 
First suggested three years ago, SmartBike DC is tentatively set to launch in early April 2008, with a ribbon-cutting event to be determined. The program has already generated positive feedback and enthusiasm, and depending on continued interest and heavy use, Clear Channel could expand services in the future.