Smartbike

Smartbike
Originally uploaded by M.V. Jantzen

M.V. Jantzen writes "My first look at DC's new bike rental program. Three of the five bikes had flat tires. 12th & G NW (Metro Center), Washington, DC."

Comments

[Lee Watkins]

Did they not put belted tires on them? What type of tires are those? I wonder if someone is going around letting air out of the tires. Maybe Smartbike should take a cue from heklucht.

[Euan]

Yes, the tires are puncture resistant. Someone just let the air out of them. The maintenance crew had them re-inflated later that day.

[Tonkatruck]

I've taken a smart bike out several times and never had a problem.

I think it is to be expected that during the early phases of this, the bikes may suffer. I remember in college, when the campus police first introducted blue light phones, they had to deal with many, many false alarms. It was only after a prolonged PR campaign with students (and some enforcement) that people stopped messing with it.

The best possible thing for Smart Bike is usage! I hope M.V. Jantzen reported the bikes to maintenance.

[Roger That]

Happy to report a successful outing today after finding the Foggy Bottom site out of order on opening day.

Bike was a pleasure to ride.

Wondered how the lights are powered, no obvious wiring.

[Euan]

The lights are battery operated, but light and motion activated. In other words, it must be dark outside and the bike moving for them to function.

[Roger That]

Interesting technology, thanks.