Martin Di Caro reports on the enthusiastic response that the bike rental program Capital Bikeshare has produced in D.C., and the significant changes it's sparked in the local culture and economy.
So goes the old saying, "if you build it, they will come." Di Caro reports that in the case of Capital Bikeshare, a bike rental service founded by a partnership of the District of Columbia and Arlington County, providing easy access to bicycles has prompted a new wave of bike enthusiasts going out and buying their own.
This phenomenon came as a surprise to local bicycle shops, who feared that the convenience of renting a bike for $50 per year would decrease their sales. However, many users of Bikeshare soon realized that they wanted a bike to call their own. Their enthusiasm was captured recently on Twitter, with users expressing excitement and gratitude for Bikeshare for turning them onto cycling. One user tweeted: "Loved Bikeshare. Bought a bike as a direct result."
The program has created a heightened awareness of bicyclists in the city as more and more riders take to the streets. Notes Di Caro, "bicycling is achieving 'critical mass' in Washington. There are enough bicyclists on the streets that motorists have to be courteous and accommodate them, even where there are no bike lanes."
In addition to the benefits of less cars on the road, the program also helps support the local economy. "AAA estimates that people spend on the average [$9,000 per year] related to their car," says Erik Kugler, the owner of Bicycle Space. "So if you can build an area where people don't need to spend that money every year, that money becomes available for the local economy. You see new restaurants open up, cafes, niche shops, and small businesses like ours. We employ 18 people here."
FULL STORY: From A To B: Bike Shop Owners See Big Returns From Capital Bikeshare

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont