A few weekends ago, I was strolling near the National Portrait Gallery when I noticed a rack of groovy retro-looking red and white bikes. Turns out, Clear Channel and the DC Department of Transportation are applying the Zipcar model to bikes by offering SmartBikes at various points throughout the city. This is the first high-tech car-sharing program in the U.S., although other similar programs already exist (and are successful) in Paris and Barcelona.
You can rent one of the earth-friendly vehicles at 10 self-service stations around downtown DC including Foggy Bottom, McPherson Square, Dupont Circle, and Logan Circle. And this Saturday, September 27th, there is no better time to channel your inner Lance Armstrong because it’s Bike DC day. So, leave your four-wheel gas-guzzler at home, grab a helmet, and sign up for an online subscription to SmartBike DC for just $40 a year (up to three hours per trip).
goinggreendc.net 