Morning Commute – 12/9

The newly-reopened MBT at the soon-to-be Alethia Tanner Park

The Morning Commute is an occasional look at meetings or other #BikeSpecific discussions and stories happening in the District. It also looks at interesting bike ideas or concepts from other places across the globe that could possibly work here. Again, this isn’t journalism, just fun.

Today’s commute includes:

  • How to get more women on scooters
  • The final lap of the Hains Point 100
  • Another bike shop closes

Like bikes, why aren’t more women riding electric scooters? While stories focus a lot of attention on bike and scooter related injuries, rarely is it discussed why certain groups are adopting these forms of travel at lower rates.

In an article from Citylab, the author postulates that improving the safety of micro mobility platforms will increase their adoption by women. These options include the addition of more protected bike lanes and education on how to safely use these vehicles in urban settings. Citylab

The best bike ride in the District is set to make its final lap December 22. The Hains Point 100 is a year-end celebration for #BikeDC. According to it’s organizers, it’s also its final year. The 100 is a time to celebrate what makes biking fun and an opportunity to remember those we lost. Proceeds from the Hains Point 100 support the WABA Women & Bicycles program. Consider making a donation and registering. Hains Point 100

The Bike Rack closed its doors Friday, December 6. If you visit its website this morning, you wouldn’t realize that the 13-year-old Bike Rack announced its closure. This is the second local bike shop closure in a week and the fifth store this year.

In an article by WTOP, the owner of the store says that while the Bike Rack is going out of business, that a bike retailer will occupy his store. In the interim, support our local bike shop. WTOP

Given that we have dramatically fewer places to purchase or repair bikes since this time last year, someone on Popville ask for suggestions regarding the best of the remaining bike repair shops in DC.

A post by a public relations firm lays out why scooters allow for more than just last mile travel. OpenPR

Head injuries associated with scooter use are on the rise. Adding to concerns regarding injuries from scooter-related crashes, an E-scooter study presented at the 2019 Radiological Society of North America annual meeting finds that CT scans and x-rays reveal that more scooter-related injuries include head trauma.

The article states that mitigation of injuries include encouraging greater use of protective gear when riding, the avoidance of drinking alcohol while scooting, and increased public education on the use of scooters who’ll help to reduce the likelihood of serious brain or other physical injuries. The study does not appear to call for better street design to help avoid certain crashes. Health Imaging

While new dockless options coming to the District in 2020, a few familiar names are leaving. Bird, Lime, Razor and Bolt will not be permitted to operating in the District next year, so manage your apps accordingly. Technical.ly DC

One newbie in the DC dockless game has a reputation. Of the remaining dockless operators that are permitted to operating, the less catchy named operator HelBiz will be a new entrant in the District market. According to BusinessWire, Helbiz is a global leader in micro mobility.

The operator will offer a number of incentives and community benefits to would-be District customers including opening a District-based office and warehouse to ensure that vehicles are safely maintained; an apprentice program to train its employees in micro mobility careers; and offer unlimited 30 minute rides for District residents who make at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. BusinessWire

The City of Alexandria mulls a phased approach to scooter introduction as part of a recent legislative meeting. AlexTimes

P street SW protected lanes near completion.
More Please. DDOT Twitter

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