The Bike-sharing Blog provides information on bike-sharing services around the world and is the sister publication to The Meddin Bike-sharing World Map. The Blog is provided by MetroBike, LLC based in Washington, D.C.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Streetfilms on SmartBike DC
The good folks from Streetfilms recently came to D.C. to check-out our new SmartBike DC program and I joined them. This was our maiden voyage on the bikes and enthusiasticly I give the system the grade of an A-. The bikes were comfortable, clean, tires had good air pressure, the bike handled turns well, and the gears worked smoothly. The only problem was the station's computer was having a short-lived technical issue which fixed itself.
I understand that 350 memberships have been sold so far and that a limit of memberships may have to be put in place until more bikes and stations can be put out. If a limit were put into place, I hope D.C. residents are prioritized in who may receive their smartcards as their public space is paying for the program. This wouldn't be a first. Barcelona also limited membership to residents when they first started.
Great Job D.C.!
ReplyDeleteBefore limiting memberships, they might try reducing the idiotic 3-hour check out. If bikes do get scarce you will see "sharers" checking out bikes and holding them for an hour or two to ensure a bike is available when they want to go.
ReplyDeleteIt is all about utilization. The check-out time should be no more than an hour.
Does anyone know who makes the locking and tracking systems for the various bike-sharing companies?
ReplyDelete