Fast Lane (and others) on the Bike Station

I once went to speak in front of a group of 3rd graders about my Peace Corps experience. I got a bunch of thank you letters from the students a few days later and one of them started out "You are the best speaker we've ever had" which was pretty flattering until the next sentence "You are the only speaker we've ever had." Still, I like the glass half full attitude (they could have said I was the worst speaker). 

Along these same lines, the DOT's blog starts:

Today, the city of Washington, DC, opened the east coast's largest bike center. It's the east coast's first such facility...

Building the bike center was a project of the DC Department of Transportation's Bicycle Program, headed by Jim Sebastian. The Bicycle Program's Chris Holben shepherded the multi-year project. Congratulations Jim and Chris...

Toronto is also building a bike station and it's at their Union Station, so be sure not to get confused and bike to Canada - I don't think your card will work there. They have a temporary bike station (pictured) under a railroad bridge which cost $400,000 and parks 180 bikes.

The bicycle station at [Toronto] Union Station includes a change room, a mechanic stand and a variety of tools for customer use, as well as a vending machine with emergency bike necessities such as tubes, tire levers, patch kits, and, of course, refreshing beverages. Security measures include a “man-trap” door system to prevent people following others into the station, 24 hour video surveillance as well as staffed hours during the day.

For still more bike station coverage here's Trail Blazer

The wait has been worth it for commuters such as George Mino, 56, who — contrary to what the mayor announced — hopes that his visits do happen every day. He takes the MARC from Columbia, Md., then hops on his bike to ride to work in Crystal City. But leaving his wheels out in the open at Union Station has been a bumpy ride. "I've had my bike stolen, vandalized and had the air let out of my tires," he says. "Now I can finally buy a bike that costs more than my lock."

 and Bike and Roll's Press Release about their third location in the DC area.

Bicycle rentals include Trek comfort, performance, road and tandem bikes. Children's bikes and accessories such as tandem trailers and burleys are also offered. All bike rentals include a helmet, U-lock, bike rack, flat kit and map. You may rent a bike from one location and drop off at either of the other two shops for a small fee.

Comments

[CyclingFool]

WashCycle, where did you do Peace Corps? I was an environment volunteer in Ukraine from 2000-2003.

[Washcycle]

Cameroon '95-'97, Science teacher. Chris Holben with DDOT's Bike team is an RPCV too.