Despite owning my own bike, I have considered signing up for DC's bikeshare program (havent pulled the trigger yet; just moved here). A couple advantages for me:
- I don't have to worry about my own (rather nice) bike getting stolen
- I don't have to lug around a lock+chain for short trips.
- I'm not stuck with my bike if I use another means for the return trip
(e.g., going to a bar, then cabbing home or hitching a ride)
The main negative, aside from the subscription fee, is that the bikes supposedly weigh a ton and are far from smooth rides.
When I first moved here I was amazed by the number of people that use the program. I'm quite curious about the actual municipal cost, though-- especially as a before/after comparison. Also would be interested in other effects. For instance, did it decrease parking woes? Increase public transportation usage? Cause more traffic accidents?
When I first moved here I was amazed by the number of people that use the program. I'm quite curious about the actual municipal cost, though-- especially as a before/after comparison. Also would be interested in other effects. For instance, did it decrease parking woes? Increase public transportation usage? Cause more traffic accidents?