Virtuous Cycle Video Highlights Washington, D.C.'s Cycling Initiatives
by Andrew Posner, Providence, Rhode Island 
on 11.17.08
With all the excitement about change coming to Washington with the election of Barack Obama, it can be easy to forget that the Capitol is slowly becoming a more bicycle-friendly city. As the above video highlights, Washington, D.C. recently implemented a bike-share program known as Smart Bike D.C. And much as cities like New York and Mexico City have been doing, D.C. has been busy adding miles of new bike lanes and cycling infrastructure to accommodate the rise in cycling caused in part by high gas prices.
Bike-sharing programs, which have truly gone global the last few years, appear to be putting cycling on the radar of politicians, planning professionals, and commuters. More and more people are realizing that the number of roads a city can build is limited, and encouraging more cycling can not only reduce air pollution, but also leads to safer, quieter streets; a healthier citizenry; and more efficient use of the existing road network.
That's probably why New York is considering requiring that all new buildings maintain a certain amount of parking for bicycles, for instance: it just makes sense for the City, and it's highly cost-effective.
Via: YouTube
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DC gets an A for effort, but in all reality is sub-par in this endevour. I live in Arlington, VA and commute to south east DC for work every day. I spent the better part of the summer peddling to work and what a nightmare that was! Biking involves either riding on sidewalks amongst the throngs of tourist, or hugging the parked cars to dodge some of the nations most inattentive aggressive drivers. In my case, the only safe time to bike to work is early in the morning (which I did not mind when the weather was above 40F at 6 am), however there are the other beast to dodge at that time in the morning: crackheads and thugs. I have heard horror stories of bikers taking baseball bats to the stomach from theives. Beyond that the usual urban biking problems persist: innumerable flat tires from the detritus that fills sidewalk cracks, near death experiences courtesy DC's incompetant core of commuters, angry pedestrians and unruly children to dodge just to name a few. I understand this perfunctory effort is attempting what is a seemingly pie-in-the-sky goal, but touting the current situation as satisfactory is a bit premature. I do not wish to discourage any rider, but buyer be warned, this city is far from bike friendly.
I really wish there was a SmartBike station near the Columbia Heights metro station. Then I could grab a bike from Foggy Bottom and head up to Sticky Fingers Bakery for delicious vegan treats. Oh, Woodley Park would be nice too... That video was obviously shot in Dupont Circle, but Dupont's not a bad walk from Foggy Bottom. Actually, the time it takes to walk to the FB SmartBike would be half the time it takes to walk to Dupont anyway... but still, for trips to Woodley Park, U St, Columbia Heights...oh, having an easier to way to get groceries home from Trader Joe's...
SmartBike seems like an awesome idea to me, especially at only $40/yr. I'd recoup that in a month by not having to ride the metro for the multi-mile trips.
As to safety: It depends on the area. It's very safe to bike in Foggy Bottom, where it's expected that a student is going to step out into the road at any minute. Random-street-crossers are common near the Columbia Heights metro too, so drivers are more alert there. Not sure I'd want to see Saturday-afternoon-Georgetown from a bike though. Way too much traffic.
I'm sure there are many people who share David and MacKenzie's perspective on the issues of safety and ease. You want safety & ease?? Take a bus or train. They are by far more safe than a car or bike. The local Metro system is great (except for the non 24 hour aspect). I use it in concert with my bike in bad weather quite smoothly. Studies show that the more bikers there are the more considerate drivers become. Critical mass is not just some organization, it is a concept.
But I think you should consider what smart drivers have done in the past (take lessons, like from AAA). Learn safety skills. Back in the day, AAA classes lowered my insurance premiums. Nothing can make the world safer for you except you. Morons die with seatbelts and helmets on. Check out NASCAR.
In case you forgot driving cars kill a sh!tload of people annually. And I ain't talking about cyclists. Choosing a car because its safer and easier? Become smarter. Adapt like our ancestors did. The road may be tough, bring a spare tube and a pump.
I ride daily 10 to 15 miles at various times through the city. Going on my 15th year cycling. I use all of my senses when I ride. I relish the stress free nature of my commute. 10 miles may be tough for some but I adapted. I didn't start riding around DC because it was safer or easier. Many in 2008 felt the same way. Its cheaper, less stressful, and convenient. BTW none of these things are intuitive.
I hope SmartBike does well. I just wish they took an adult step like France has (not a 150 bike baby step) and get thousands of bikes, and remove more of the lanes drivers think are devoted to them and devote them to bikes.
Anything worth having you have to work for, right? Nothing good is easy. This is about reducing auto usage. Some side effects include: weight loss, firm butt, sharper senses, clearer mind, less stress, less pollution, quieter cityscape, fewer fatalities, fatter wallet/purse, etc.
LASTLY: I've known many cyclists and drivers and bus/train riders. Guess which group LIKES their daily travel most?
This car commuter just defines why bike lanes are built for cars, not bicycles. Biking isn't safe because of too many reckless drivers, not because there aren't enough lanes for cyclists.
And to top it all off, the more cyclists on the road, the safer it is for everyone. Since drivers get used to cyclists and some if bike every once in a while.
So get on the critical mass! ;)