[This is an EXCERPT: read the whole article here. -Ed.]
By Elissa Silverman

"Today [Washington, D.C.] will join the ranks of Paris and Barcelona with the launch of the first high-tech public bike-sharing program in the United States, forcing such cities as San Francisco and Chicago to look here to see chic alternative transportation in action in America."

"SmartBike DC will rent 120 bikes at 10 self-service racks mostly in the downtown area, including near the Gallery Place, Shaw and Judiciary Square Metrorail stations. A $40 annual fee gets riders a membership card, which allows them to pick up a cherry red three-speed bike. Then it's time to tool around the city for up to three hours. Those who want to keep going can pick up another bike; there's no limit on the number of trips."

"'It's really going to be replacing cab rides and car trips for a lot of folks looking to get around the city quickly,' said Jim Sebastian, bicycle and pedestrian program manager for the District's Department of Transportation. 'Plus they won't have to worry about parking. And it's fun. It's a great way to get around the city on a nice day.'"

"In most cities, bike sharing is a public-private partnership between city governments and outdoor advertising companies. The District's program will be maintained by Clear Channel Outdoor and is part of a 20-year bus shelter contract."

Photo credit: Alix Guillard