No matter how you feel about Smartbike DC, the bike sharing program that launched today, it’s hard to argue that the bikes look good. The big rear wheel cover, the mundane star logo, and the red metal make its rider look more like a tourist on an bike tour of the city than a frugal, environmentally-aware commuter.

But do bikes in these sort of programs always have to look ugly? After the jump, one bike affirms the resolution and five negate.

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All three teams with Georgetown players made the Kenner Summer League’s playoffs. They’ll be going up against five other teams in Yates gym.

The first four games are tomorrow and Friday, at 7 and 8:15 both days. Semifinals are going Saturday at 3 and 4:15. The finals are Sunday at 2. Judging from past performance, I predict that Greg Monroe will sweep all before him.

At last, DC’s SmartBike bikesharing program is launching today, and our tired legs and lungs couldn’t be happier.  Still, it’s already running into problems–the availability map reveals six of the ten locations already have all their bikes checked out.

Wayan at We Love DC doesn’t think much of the program, dubbing it “Dorkbike”. Hardly! Those rear wheel covers aren’t good-looking, and helmets should be provided, but this program will be a good thing for DC that gets even better as more stations (Georgetown!) are added.

Photo from Flickr user Joe in DC used under a Creative Commons license