Washington DC joins the likes of Paris and Barcelona on Wednesday when the SmartBikeDC bicycle rental program kicks off.
Although it starts with just 120 bikes at 10 locations around the downtown area, it marks the first, self-service bike rental program in the US.
The cost is $40 a year and subscribers are allowed to use the bikes for up to three hours at a time. Helmets and bicycle locks are not provided.
The locations
1. Logan Circle — 14th St, NW & Rhode Island Ave, NW
2. Dupont Circle — Massachusetts & Dupont Circle, NW
3. Reeves Corner — 14th St, NW & U St, NW
4. Shaw — 7th St, NW & T St, NW
5. Foggy Bottom — 23rd St, NW & I St, NW
6. Gallery Place Metro — 7th St, NW & F St, NW
7. Farragut Square — 17th St & K St, NW
8. Metro Centere — 12th St, NW & G St, NW
9. Judiciary Square — 4th St, & E St, NW
10. McPherson Square — 14th St, NW & H St, NW
An interactive map shows the bike station locations and the number of bicycles available at each.
The program has been underway for beta testers for the past few weeks. Users must subscribe for the service and it takes a few days to receive the membership card, according to the DCist blog.
SmartBike
The program is operated by the Clear Channel Outdoor. In return, the outdoor advertising firm gets to post ads on the city's bus shelters.
The $40 annual membership allows for three hours of use at a time. Users receive demerits for keeping the bikes out longer and could lose privileges.
The program will formally launch at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday at 2000 14th St. NW. DC Mayor Adrian Fenty will be on hand, as will representatives from Washington Area Bicycle Association and Clear Channel Outdoor.
The SmartBike DC bike sharing program is accessed via $40 annual subscription that provides users unlimited access to the system at a low cost. After completion of the online application, a personalized and annually renewable user card together with instructions will be mailed to you. Please allow up to two weeks for processing. After you receive your user card, you must come back to the website and complete the registration process from the “Activate Card” menu.
WABA members can receive a discounted $30 rate per year.
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