The United States finally joins Europe, with our own public bike sharing program...

America's First Self-Service Public Bike Rental Program Kicks into Gear!....

I'm happy to share the news with you that the US has finally warmed up to the idea of public bike sharing, making bike rental as simple and quick as a card swipe. Washington D.C. recently unveiled SmartBike DC, the first fully automated touch-and-go rental program in the US. The program is currently offering only 120 bicycles at 10 locations throughout the city center.

Located at key locations in the central business district, the bicycles provide a new way of discovering and moving around the city.

The Washington District of Transportation has teamed up with Clear Channel for the SmartBike DC program, exchanging advertising space for funds to maintain the bikes and improve upon the system.

For a $40 annual membership fee, SmartBike users are free to rent a three speed for up to three hours at a time. An electronic system monitors the bikes, assuring timely returns and keeping track of lost bikes. If all goes well, the program is hoping to expand the program up to 1,000 bicycles.

Chicago and San Francisco are in the process of implementation as well. Last week The New York City Department of Transportation announced its plans to examine the possibility of creating a bike share program.