Huge Sale @ 5th Street Ace this Saturday

From Rachel M:

The World Famous Bag Sale is back! On Saturday November 7, you can fill up a bag and 20% off pretty much everything inside. (10% off power tools and appliances). Stock up on holiday décor, get your gift shopping done and out of the way or conquer that last home-improvement project you’ve been meaning to get done by the end of ’09.

If you’re shopping between 11 am and 3 pm, bring in your bike. Tommy, our resident cycle pro is heading up our monthly bike clinic and offering free repairs and adjustments.

Hope to see you there!

1055 5th Street, NW
acehardwaredc.com

Free Bike Clinic at 5th Street Hardware on Saturday

Following message is from Rachel M @ Fifth Street Hardware:

We're having a free bike clinic at 5th Street Ace Hardware tomorrow Saturday September 5th from 11AM to 3PM. Ace's bike mechanic/guru Tommy can perform the following services:

• brake realignment
  
• change/patch inner tubes
  
• oil the chains
  
• straighten handlebars
  
• install baskets and other accessories
  
• basic repairs

We've been doing these on the 1st Saturdays of every month, but we will go weekly starting in October with potentially one Saturday a month where we bring in a mechanic who can offer more extensive repairs.

1055 5th Street NW (smack dab between Safeway and Busboys & Poets)
202-682-4570
acehardwaredc.com

Bike Thief Experiment

I'm a little too short on time today to write a full post, so I leave you this video on a Bike Theft experiment in NYC.



Would you confront someone on the street who was hacksawing or bolt cutting a bike lock?

More Streetscape improvements plus bike racks on L Street

The streetscape on L Street NW in front of Safeway is close to being completed. The fencing and bike racks have been installed. We've had previous updates of the streetscapes on July 3rd and July 28.

fencing installed around the 120 year old oak tree

2 bike racks immediately in front of Safeway

4 bike racks installed close to entrance of City Vista L

I'm told K Street will also have bike racks later this year.

More Smart Bike

A little research about Smart Bike I dug up.


You will need your own helmet and a bike lock if you plan intermediate stops between Smart Bike stations. Also, operating hours will preclude riding that bike home after a night out at Adams Morgan (take a cab).

From the FAQ

Are SmartBikes equipped with bike locks?
Not at this time. You are responsible for the security and timely return of the bike.

Do I have to wear a helmet?
Adults 16 and over are not required to wear a helmet in DC. SmartBike DC is for users 18 years and older. Helmets are not provided by the program, however, SmartBike DC strongly encourages the use of helmets and bikers should bring a helmet.

What are the operating hours?
SmartBike DC is open from 06:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M., Monday through Sunday. The last rental can be made at 10:00 P.M. Bikes can be dropped off 24 hours a day; however, one rental may not exceed three consecutive hours.

Also, be sure to review WABA's new Pocket Guide to DC Bike Laws.

SmartBike DC Starts August 11th!

Yes, It's true. I have just spoken to a representative from SmartBike DC and she has confirmed that the public will be able to check out bikes starting August 11th. Visit www.smartbikedc.com to sign up. The cost is $40.00 for one year of unlimited bike usage, pretty reasonable I would say, considering in Paris is was thirty Euro.

I'm very excited for this. I can't tell you how many times I've walked by those empty stations while I was running late for something just wishing I could hop on and pedal my way there.

SmartBike locations; click for more info

Let's keep our fingers crossed for rapid expansion of the network. The more people sign up right off the bat, the faster they'll get the hint that they need to expand.

Now go sign-up!