Photo by Jeffrey Zeldman on Flickr.

Start the new year with events that reflect on transportation and smart growth in the region. And while you’re at it, you can join friends for a beer.

The future of Union Station: Nerds in NoMa, the monthly speaker series on topics from transportation to beekeeping, is back this Tuesday, January 14 to discuss the proposed expansion and redevelopment in store for Union Station. Several officials will talk about the vision, including David Tuchmann of developer Akridge and Union Station planners Cindy Petkac and David Zaidain.

This free event is from 6-8 pm at The Lobby Project, located at 1200 First Street NE, and will have light fare, wine, and beer available for purchase. You can RSVP here.

After the jump: Bikeshare in Montgomery County, a live chat with Chris Zimmerman, happy hour with New Urbanists, and the next generation of Metro in Northern Virginia.

Hear about Bikeshare in Montgomery County: The Action Committee for Transit hosts Shane Farthing, executive director of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, for a talk about Bikeshare’s recent expansion into Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Rockville last fall and how it’s doing. This free meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday, January 14 at 7:30 pm at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at One Veterans Place in downtown Silver Spring.

Live chat with Chris Zimmerman: After 18 years in office, Chris Zimmerman will step down from the Arlington County Board in February. Join us on Thursday, January 16 from noon to 1 pm for a live, moderated discussion about Zimmerman’s accomplishments in Arlington and his future role at Smart Growth America. Details on how to join the conversation and submit questions are available here.

Right Proper urbanism: Later on Thursday, the DC chapter of Congress for the New Urbanism holds their monthly happy hour at the newly-opened Right Proper Brewing Company at 624 T Street NW in Shaw. Plan to arrive around 6 pm, and be on the lookout for a pink hat to find the group. Round up some friends by sharing the event’s Facebook invite.

Metro and the future of Northern Virginia: Arlington continues their RoundAbouts Speaker Series with a talk next week about the county’s part in Momentum, Metro’s new investment and expansion plan. Shyam Kannan, WMATA’s planning director, will speak about how major transit investments in Arlington play pivotal roles in not only the future of Northern Virginia, but also the future of the region as a whole.

This free event is next Thursday, January 23 from 6 to 8 pm at Founders Hall on George Mason University’s Arlington Campus, located at 3301 Fairfax Drive. You can RSVP here.