Media Contact:  John Lisle at (202) 671-2004

The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) SmartBikeDC program is a recipient of a 2008 Momentum Award, presented by the Downtown DC Business Improvement District. SmartBikeDC was one of nine awardees recognized at a recent ceremony for their contributions to creating a vibrant urban environment in the downtown area.

“DDOT has successfully introduced the first bike sharing program in North America to Downtown DC, “said Richard Bradley, executive director of the Downtown BID, “proving that our city is an early and enthusiastic adapter to new technology and sustainable transportation.“

Launched in August, 2008, SmartBikeDC is the first automated public bike rental program in North America. It boasts 10 racks – 4 in the Downtown BID – for easy bike pickup and drop off. It has quickly proved to be very popular; more than 900 people have signed up for SmartBikeDC in the program’s first three months, and they are making a total of about 100 trips a day.

“SmartBikeDC fits in perfectly in the Downtown BID,” said Jim Sebastian, DDOT’s Bicycle Program Manager. “We’ve found residents and workers there are using the bikes to get to work and run errands. It’s easier than driving in city traffic and trying to park a car.”

Members can rent the bikes for up to 3 hours. Membership is $40 per year and applicants can sign up online at www.smartbikedc.com. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a valid credit card.

Clear Channel Outdoor operates SmartBikeDC as part of the bus shelter advertising program for DDOT. The bikes and stations are cleaned and repaired by Clear Channel Outdoor's service teams. Plans to further expand the program are currently under way. DDOT is planning to place additional stations in other neighborhoods in spherical paths working towards the outer parts of the city.