• The New York Times, Monday, April 28, 2008 10:16 AM

A public-private venture called SmartBike DC will make 120 bicycles available at 10 spots in central locations in Washington D.C. starting next month. The automated program, which district officials say is the first of its kind in the nation, is teaming up with Clear Channel Outdoor to put the bikes on the streets.

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.

For a $40 annual membership fee, SmartBike users can check out three-speed bicycles for three hours at a time. The program will not provide helmets but does encourage their use. Similar programs have proved successful in Europe. The Vélib program in Paris and Bicing in Barcelona, Spain, both started around a year ago and already offer thousands of bicycles.

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