CommuterPageBlog

Business Mags Note Carsharing Is Growing Up

Two recent business magazine articles about Zipcar indicate that what started as a little green carshare company has become the industry's dominant national company.

The Fast Company article (Zipcar Makes the Leap, by Alex Frankel, February 14, 2008) shares that Zipcar has 180,000 members in 50 cities with revenues of $50 million a year. Next step an IPO, 2 million customers and $1 billion in revenue. Fast Company tells us that part of Zipcar's success has been soft-selling the green benefits in favor of the total experience. Another ingredient of success has been the college market. With Zipcar now on 70 campuses nation-wide, when students graduate and migrate to urban areas they are already predisposed to the concept. Fast Company also says that traditional car-rental companies have taken note of Zipcar's success and have started hourly rental in some select cities. Is Zipcar worried? Nah. Zipcar's CEO says that by positioning themselves as the Whole Foods of carsharing, the rental-car companies end up being grocery stores that add an aisle or two of natural foods. In the end, he believes Zipcar has too big a head start in technology and customer service to be concerned.

The Inc. Magazine article (How Fast Can This Thing Go, Anyway? by Stephanie Clifford, March 2008) is the cover story and quite extensive. The article's subtitle says "Zipcar was a classic founder-run company--long on passion, short on cash. Until a new CEO came aboard, gave the business a seven-step tune up, and put the pedal to the metal." The author thus traces the rise of the company with the story of how Zipcar CEO Scott Griffith, who was brought in at the beginning of 2003 -four years after the company was founded and had begun experiencing growing pains - implemented a seven-point strategy for turning a great idea into a thriving company. And so far it has worked. His seven points:

1. Break It Down to Built It Up
2. Before you Get big, Get Tech
3. Brand With Attitude. And BMWs
4. Hand Over Power, Watch Ideas Fly
5. Sell Where Your Competition Won't
6. First, Prove It. Then, Fund It.
7. Know When to Say No. And Whey to Say Yes

The future for Zipcar looks bright. We  just met with Ellice Perez, General Manager of the Washington, D.C. regional office and came away impressed with the way they've handled the merger (Is Carshare Merger a Sign of Progress, November 1, 2007) of the two companies in our area and with their plans for the future. Ms. Perez has built a solid local team. Now with information from Inc. Magazine we know that she's got the backing and support from a great corporate culture. So the future of carsharing in our area looks very bright too.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Vintage Raleigh 3-Speed -- Whoa Dude

First I must share with you I have this bug for old things and I don't mean from the 80s or from the disco era. There's a voice inside  that occasionally whispers things like "you gotta get that old Westinghouse oscillating fan" or "that vintage 'Louis Armstrong Hot Five' LP would add nicely to your collection." The other day, the whisper returned, this time luring me towards a vintage Raleigh 3-speed bicycle (1964 to be exact).

Call me  nuts, but 27-speeds are about 24 speeds too many. I walked into a bike shop the other day tapping on each bicycle, searching in vane for one bike that was made of good ole' American steel (or Japanese for that matter). When I asked, the response was "we don't cater to those bikes and why would we when carbon fiber frames make your bike float and plus, steel is overrated anyway." --pause-- "Whoa dude, is that an old school Raleigh? I dig your ride man!!" And with that, I contently exited the shop on my non-carbon fiber ride with my selection of three speeds, I pedaled onward, content with my recent purchase. So why the "whoa dude" response if steel is overrated? I'm glad you asked, allow me to demonstrate the whoa dude factor:

Whoa Dude Factor #1: Chrome Bezel Headlamp
You'd be hard-pressed to find chrome (or any kind of metal) bumpers on automobiles today. The same goes for bicycle accessories like lights, but not on this steel machine. Note the switch on top - this is to toggle between a long and short beam. One illuminates closer to the front wheel while the other sends light further out. Oh and if you push the side button, the face swings out to reveal the guts and a spare bulb inside (or stow away a choice non-conductive item inside). And you ask, what size batteries does it take. Well, I'm glad you asked...read on.

Whoa Dude Factor #2: Bottle Generator (Green Power)
So the million dollar answer is "no batteries required." That's because the headlamp (and smaller rear light) run off a bottle generator conveniently located on the front fork. Push a lever, and the generator moves over where the top turning wheel meets the sidewall face of the front tire. When the bike moves, the generator wheel moves creating electricity to power front and rear lights. When I'm at a stop, there is no light and the intensity of the light is directly related to my speed (faster = brighter, slower = dimmer). It also provides a good workout on hills since there is a bit of drag created when the bottle generator is resting on the sidewall. End result: no more chicken legs.

Whoa Dude Factor #3: Broken In Leather Saddle
Raleigh partnered with Brooks to install their leather saddles on each and every one of their bikes. When well taken care of, a Brooks leather saddle will outlast anything else on the market -- just don't get it wet or leave it oz`ut during a heavy downpour. Note the two horizontal slots on the back. This design is to receive a tool bag or travel bag with straps to carry a few choice items on longer trips. I found an old Czech ammunition bag that works well for carrying a few of my "choice items" to and from work. Since I didn't utilize the slots, I could add a second bag if I wanted. But I've ordered a vintage rear rack instead to put pannier bags and carry lots more (already planning a trip).

Whoa Dude Factor #4: All Steel Fenders
That's mudguards for your British lads and lasses. On rainy days, I can still bike to work thanks to these generously wide steel-reinforced fenders which are a staple of the Raleigh 3-speeds. On the front, there's even a chrome tip for an added touche d'elegance. Apparently the white stripe has a history to it. It was part of regulation in England to make the bike road-ready and more visible when mixed with traffic. I couldn't find any supporting documentation so I'll let you make up your own legend.

Whoa Dude Factor #4: Quackin' Ducks
Hear those ducks a' quackin'? Take a close look at the front chainring and you'll see three ducks turning head over head when pedaling. Interestingly enough, the front badge contains a duck head as part of its emblem. Try finding any sort of handmade artwork on modern chainrings. Does anyone out there know the significance of this bird? At second thought, maybe they're swans, storks or egrets. Wait, do they quack? That'll mess my title up. If you know anything about the history of the badge or the bird, e-mail me:

C.M. Ducks N.R.O.?
L.M.N.O. Ducks
O.S.A.R.
C.M. Wangs
L.I.B.
M.R. Ducks

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Ken Matthews (vintage_3sp)
1972 Peugeot PE41 3-speed
1964 Raleigh Sports Deluxe 3-speed

You Could Teach Metro Something About Offering Their Schedules In This Convenient Format!

So said Arlington resident Kitty Bennett upon discovering and using CommuterPage.com's transit schedules for handheld devices. One of the perks of my job is that I often get to hear from customers who appreciate some aspect of what we do. Ms. Bennett generously allowed me to share her letter with our readers. So this gives me the opportunity to remind transit users that the service exists. Kitty says that the downloadable schedules have a "fantastic design." I humbly agree. This simple, yet elegant little application that our wonderful web people first developed more than five years ago (and still tweak and update), just works. Says Kitty Bennett:

Mr. Hamilton:

I've never ridden on Arlington Transit before, but am participating in a clinical trial at the Virginia Hospital Center beginning tomorrow. I went to the website to find out how to get from the Ballston Metro stop to the hospital, and found it wonderfully easy to use. Your maps and schedules are easy to find and read. The best part, I thought, was that I could transfer the schedules for the bus I needed to my Palm. Even more amazing, once I saw it on my Palm, was that it was not just a static schedule, but allowed me to look at different days or stops or directions by tapping various dropdown menus. It's a fantastic design, and much appreciated. Kudos to the developer. You could teach Metro something about offering their schedules in this convenient format!

Regards,
Kitty Bennett

If you have a web-enabled cell/smart phone simply point your browser to www.commuterpage.com and click on schedules at the top of the page and you too can download your favorite schedules on the convenience of your mobile device. If you want to load it the old-fashioned way through your computer go to www.commuterpage.com/handheld. Enjoy!

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Winter Biking - a Pleasant Surprise

Four years ago, I wouldn't have thought of biking to work in the winter. I'm not a cold-natured person and I never stocked up on proper clothing (fancy cycling clothing not necessary — see below). But now that I'm well-equipped (bike, accessories and clothing), it's a breeze to get to work by bike. I opted for the vintage route as you'll notice in the photo at right (1972 3-speed Peugeot Model PE41 - hmmm, another blog possibility). What, only three speeds?! And to that I say, "what, you need and use all 30 gears?!"

I've been biking year-round now since 2006 (but generally biking to work since 2001) and have finally gotten used to the point where the cold doesn't bother me. Here's a rundown on my gear, most of which can be easily acquired.

• Leather coat ($100): ok, so it's from Uruguay (mil gracias, suegra) — a bit far away! That's why I mention this one first but I must say nothing cuts through this coat and it's an important layer to my apparel. It's very thick which keeps the wind out and the neck folds up for added protection.
• Gloves ($10): I picked up a pair of GI leather gloves at the military surplus store. I bought them big enough so I could slip another pair inside. On not so cold days, I can opt to go with just one layer on the hands. Check out www.colemans.com in PA (order online) or visit a local military surplus store like www.fullmetaljacket.com in Alexandria, VA.
• Scarf ($10-20): there are millions of sources for this one. Just make sure it's made of solid material so you could use it to cover your mouth and neck on really cold mornings. Try ROSS, TJ MAX or similar stores for a good deal.
• Stocking cap ($4.99): ok, so I made mine thus the great price. Hey, I was at home and bored over Christmas. So I learned to crochet (thanks DS) and the next thing I know, I'm holding a finished wool stocking cap.
• Pants: I use anything from sweatpants to overalls. Sweatpants are cheap, but you'll need to use a layer underneath on colder days. Also consider running or warmup pants that are lined for added warmth. But stay away from jeans and anything denim (unless you want cold legs).

The detailed list of proper apparel is important, because I enjoy my ride to and from work and can think about other things. Since I cut through Bluemont Park, Mother Nature always has a pleasant surprise for me (take your pick from hard-at-work woodpeckers, black squirrels, dashing rabbits or "sitting" ducks). If it rained the night before or early that morning, I usually see the aftermath when crossing the footbridge over Four Mile Run.

Do e-mail me if you're on the fence about biking to work and need a push in the right direction or just some friendly advice. Hope to see you on the roads and trails!

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Ken Matthews (aka vintage_3sp)
1972 Peugeot PE41 3-speed
1964 Raleigh Sports Deluxe 3-speed

Parking Policy Shapes Our Cities

Rob Goodspeed over at the always interesting Goodspeed Update has a great post (The Urbanists' Panacea: Parking Reform, February 24, 2008) on urban parking policy and how it shapes our cities and impacts traffic. Rob discusses the ideas contained in UCLA planning professor Donald Shoup's book The High Cost of Free Parking.

Mr. Goodspeed also compares the amount of parking required by some of the local zoning codes. He tells us that the District is launching a major revision of it's zoning code and provides a "District of Columbia Zoning Requirement for Parking Study" PowerPoint and links to best practices in parking policy.

Everyone interested in reducing traffic congestion and improving the quality of life in our urban areas should take a look at Rob's post. There's lots to chew on here. Enjoy.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Metrobus 9S From the City to the Yard

Some good news for the residents at the Camden Potomac Yard apartments and The Eclipse Condo in Arlington's Potomac Yard. Beginning today you've now got direct access to the Crystal City Metro via the Metrobus 9S. The bus, which previously looped through Crystal City and is branded as "From the City to the Yard," was extended 10 blocks to S. Glebe Road to serve these two new residential complexes that are part of the build out of this mixed-use development. Buses will continue to run every six minutes in the rush hours and every 12 minutes in the off-peak. The extension of the service also provides folks in Crystal City with easier access to the new Harris Teeter located in The Eclipse Condo building.

• New Metrobus 9S Map (PDF)
• New Metrobus 9S Schedule

Residents are eligible for many incentives from the local FAST TMA to go car-free, including Metrobus 9S subsidies, free Zipcar memberships and biking incentives.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Walkable Urbanism Talk Show

With all of the news about "walkable urbanism" in the last few months, not to be missed is the discussion on an episode last month of the Kojo Nnambdi Show on WAMU.  The episode is still available online.  Here's a description:

Walkable Urbanism

Ever since World War II, the American dream has included a house in the suburbs. But as traffic and congestion turn the dream into a nightmare, residents are decamping to urban-style communities where they can walk more and drive less. Join Kojo as we look at how the Washington region is leading the country in the new trend toward "walkable urbanism."

Guests

Chris Leinberger, Visiting Fellow, Brookings Institution; professor and director, Graudate Real Estate Program, University of Michigan; author of "The Option of Urbanism: Investing in a New American Dream"

Chris Zimmerman, Member of the Arlington County Board

Listen to this segment

• Real Audio
• Windows Media

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Kevin Beekman, City of Alexandria resident

The Coolest Bike Shop In the World

Lance Armstrong seems to have the right idea. He's opening up a shop in his home town of Austin, Texas that will be dedicated to encouraging people to use their bikes to commute and get around. Says Lance:

"This city is exploding downtown. Are all these people in high rises going to drive everywhere? We have to promote (bike) commuting," Armstrong said Wednesday, gazing up at the towering condos rising next to the site of his new shop. "This can be a hub for that."

Way to go Lance. Enjoy the article.

Lance Armstrong Unveils His New Commuting Bike Shop, February, 18, 2008; Pamela LeBlanc, Austin 360.com.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

The People's Transportation Plan for DC

We are always in awe of the energy and thought that goes into Richard Layman's Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space blog. But this post is amazing. Now he bring us a must-read 36-point Transportation Plan for the District (The Revised Revised People's Transportation Plan/2008 Transit-Transportation Wish List, February 22). DC leaders should just copy Mr. Layman's Plan/Wish List, hand it out to staff and say go do it. The District and the region would be better for it. Enjoy.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

Escape from the Suburban Fringe

The Brookings Institution's Christopher Leinberger has an awesome article in the March Atlantic Monthly (The Next Slum?) about what the future may hold for the outer suburbs and their McMansions. He posits that they may become tomorrow's slums.

Mr. Leinberger finds that the recent decline of some of these places is usually attributed to the subprime-mortgage crisis and its wave of foreclosures. And while true, he believes that in the future, that a structural change in the housing market, in the way that more Americans want to live and work, is what will really work against these places. Says Leinberger:

"Twenty years ago, urban housing was a bargain in most central cities. Today, it carries an enormous price premium. It is urban life, almost exclusively, that is culturally associated with excitement, freedom, and diverse daily life. It’s crucial to note that these premiums have arisen not only in central cities, but also in suburban towns that have walkable urban centers offering a mix of residential and commercial development. People are being drawn to the convenience and culture of walkable urban neighborhoods across the country—even when those neighborhoods are small. "

He says builders and developers have noticed and are responding to accommodate the demand by providing an alternative to conventional car-based lifestyles. They do so by developing infill in the cities and inner suburbs and even finding a way to bring the city to the newer suburbs. He calls these new places "lifestyle centers." Think Reston. He says demographic changes and increases in gasoline and heating costs will only hasten this change in development patterns that favor new and traditional downtowns aligned with transit. He also echos much recent data that says the turn towards more walkable living means better health. So as America moves toward these changes he paints a sad picture that awaits many of today's sprawling outer burbs:

"... much of the future decline is likely to occur on the fringes, in towns far away from the central city, not served by rail transit, and lacking any real core. In other words, some of the worst problems are likely to be seen in some of the country’s more recently developed areas—and not only those inhabited by subprime-mortgage borrowers. Many of these areas will become magnets for poverty, crime, and social dysfunction."

If you live there now, escape while you still have time.

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Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Chief for Arlington County, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a biking/Metro commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.