As avid cyclists, Rachel Maisler and Rudi Riet already knew that bikes could be great alternative modes of transit. But as the coronavirus pandemic shut down much of D.C. and greatly reduced access to public transportation, they seemed even more vital.
After seeing that Transportation Alternatives, a non-profit that advocates for better infrastructure for bicycle and foot traffic, launched a program in New York City that matches residents who have extra bikes with those who need them, they got thinking.
“We said, ‘Why don’t we have that in D.C.?” says Maisler. “So, we’re making it happen.”
This week, the pair launched BikeMatchDC, a project that matches Washingtonians with a bicycle to spare with those in need of a set of wheels, whether they are commuting to work at a grocery store or other essential job, making a run to the pharmacy, or aiding relief efforts.
“We have this dearth of transportation options right now with the coronavirus,” says Riet, who was a part of the team that brought the JUMP bike share program to D.C. “Metro has become much less utilitarian for people.” Driving, he adds, while possible, is not always practical.
BikeMatchDC participants can sign up online, filling out a form with their contact and biographical information, and some details about the bike they are looking to donate, including the size and type. If you need a bike, you will write in your height and explain what you might use the bike for. Riet and Maisler will then match people based on their proximity and needs.
“You know, we’ll say, ‘Oh, there’s somebody who’s 5-foot-8 who needs a bike in Petworth, and there’s somebody in Columbia Heights that’s 5-foot-7 and has a bike they can give,” says Maisler, who is also the chair of D.C.’s Bicycle Advisory Council.
The program is totally free and donations are permanent. They leave the actual exchange up to the pair that has been matched, but to minimize the risk for both parties, they are asking that people donating their bikes sanitize them beforehand and try to facilitate contactless drop offs.
Riet says that, with so many people staying at home and fewer cars on the street, there’s never been a better time to bike around D.C. He hopes the program encourages people to be good neighbors and support one another. “During times of crisis,” he says, “community is the only thing that we have.”
