[An article about the Vélib program in Paris; another about how Vélib fits into Paris's larger transportation revolution. This is an EXCERPT - read th whole article, with more detail about the program in D.C., here. -Ed.]

By Bernie Becker

"A new public-private venture called SmartBike DC will make 120 bicycles available at 10 spots in central locations in the city [Washington, D.C.]. The automated program, which district officials say is the first of its kind in the nation, will operate in a similar fashion to car-sharing programs like Zipcar.

"The district has teamed up with an advertiser, Clear Channel Outdoor, to put the bikes on the streets.

"'There’s a lot of stress on our transit systems currently,' said Jim Sebastian, who manages bicycle and pedestrian programs for Washington’s Transportation Department. Offering another option, Mr. Sebastian said, 'will help us reduce congestion and pollution,' as well as parking problems.

"In the deal, Clear Channel will have exclusive advertising rights in the city’s bus shelters. The company has reached a similar deal with San Francisco. Chicago and Portland, Ore., are also considering proposals from advertisers."

Photo credit: Alex Guerrero