It's a pity we didn't get to ride bikes in WAS but there was no good opportunity for it. By the time I saw some bike rental places we had already walked everywhere and were also using the metro. A bike just to get from our hotel to the Smithsonian wasn't going to be a very adventurous ride so I didn't pursue it.
I did intend to try a SmartBike while I was there but after doing some research I discovered you have to register, it's not just the sort of thing you walk right up to and swipe your visa.
On our last night in WAS we were passing a row of SmartBikes on the walk home so we stopped for some documentation.
The photo above was taken by Raffaella. You can check out a variety of our spring break photos here. It's very fortunate that I was vacationing with such an excellent photographer. She was able to capture everything in a way that my novice photographic skills (and equipment) could not.
In any case, it's encouraging to see a bike share program in WAS, even if it isn't perfect yet (I've heard some people complain about the limited places you can pick up and drop off). There's something sort of retro about the bike too. I have a few more shots of my own but the import from Don's computer seems to have left a few things out. Will report back again on this.
8 comments:
My mom always says "Warshingtin DC"
Cheers! Bruce
I was going to try the SmartBikes when I visited Washington DC, too. But I checked them out online beforehand and found the same issue with having to register. It just didn't seem worth it for a one time thing. Too bad - I'm sure tourists would use the bikes a lot if given an easy way to rent for a day or a few hours.
Interesting. These bikes totally look like the BiCiNg bikes I've seen in Barcelona, see Anna cycling in Barcelona. Just the color is different. I wonder where these bikes are produced and where the company is located (Europe, US, anywhere else?).
Anyhow, cool bikes and fun to ride :).
GREAT photos!! Looks like you all had a great time in both cities. :) I live in Washington, DC, and I'm glad you got to see my fair city. :)
Bruce goes to Montreal every September for the bike expo. Last Sept. he rode around in one of the Bixi bike rentals and he really enjoyed it. It was perfect freedom for him :) I think that each bike is equipped with a GPS and if you don't return it, the wheels slow down and lock up!
It looks like you really had a great time!
You have a new reader out of me, I think your blog is absolutely refreshing and I am super looking forward to reading more! :)
Looks like you had an amazing time. BTW~ new to reading your blog and really enjoy it.
Anita - Thanks for finding me and I hope you keep coming back to participate in the world of Miss Sarah:)
All you other dudes, I can't believe I haven't responded to your comments! Bike share is indeed awesome. I think cities have to be at a certain size to make it work, but it's just so inviting. Minus the whole pre-registration part. I'm really surprised NY doesn't have a bike share yet.
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