The magic bike is here

B-cycle Introduces iPhone and Android Functionality

Aug 31, 2010 | By B-cycle

WATERLOO – August 31, 2010 – B-cycle has completed the rollout of iPhone and Android applications, allowing riders to pinpoint the location and view the real-time status of B-stations from both smartphone platforms.

In each application, active B-station locations are viewable on a map.  Tapping a station displays the number of available bikes and docks at that station in real time.

The availability of such data will further enhance the efficiency of B-cycle systems across the country by allowing users to plan rides and confirm bike and dock availability before departing.

The iPhone and Android apps are available for download on each respective platform's app store.

For more information on B-cycle, please visit our website at www.bcycle.com.

About B-cycle
B-cycle was formed by a partnership between Humana, Trek Bicycle and Crispin Porter + Bogusky based on a shared belief that bicycles should be a vehicle for positive health and environmental change as well as an important part of a community’s transportation ecosystem. Together, the founding partners developed a bike-sharing system designed specifically for U.S. cities, universities and corporate campuses.

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B-cycle Lands in Hawaii

Aug 12, 2010 | By B-cycle

HONOLULU – August 13, 2010 – The Hawaii Department of Health, Healthy Hawaii Initiative (“DOH HHI”) today announced the competitively awarded contract for a B-cycle bike sharing pilot system in Kailua town. “We are very excited about this new health initiative pilot in Hawaii” said Heidi Hansen-Smith, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Healthy Hawaii Initiative. “Active transportation, including bike riding, is a great way to get the recommended amount of physical activity into the day and also helps to prevent chronic disease and combat obesity.”

The B-cycle system will be installed in partnership with Momentum MultiSport, a local bicycle retailer, and is expected to be operational in December, 2010. “I am really excited that we can bring hi-tech bike sharing to Kailua, and we hope to expand the program to all of Hawaii,” said Nguyen Le, owner of Momentum. “Bike sharing has been shown to be an integral part of  transportation choices in other towns and cities in the U.S. and internationally,” said Le.

The B-cycle system consists of the B-cycle and the B-station. The B-cycle is a robust, rugged and easy-to-use high-tech bike that features wide tires, comfortable seats, and an adjustable design to accommodate most anyone. The B-station features secure locking mechanisms to protect against theft and integrates other technology to guard against vandalism and ensure the long-term durability of the bikes. The B-cycle system can measure and track various parameters of usage including miles ridden, calories burned, and carbon off-set. Such statistics can be tracked by individual users at their own unique Hawaii B-cycle membership website.

For more information on B-cycle, please visit our website at www.bcycle.com.

About B-cycle
B-cycle was formed by a partnership between Humana, Trek Bicycle and Crispin Porter + Bogusky based on a shared belief that bicycles should be a vehicle for positive health and environmental change as well as an important part of a community’s transportation ecosystem. Together, the founding partners developed a bike-sharing system designed specifically for U.S. cities, universities and corporate campuses.

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B-cycle Helping Chicago Commuters and Visitors Get Green on the Go

Jul 26, 2010 | By B-cycle

CHICAGO – July 26, 2010 – B-cycle is helping Chicago residents and visitors increase daily activity and reduce carbon emissions with a major U.S. City bike-sharing system, Chicago B-cycle. Chicago B-cycle will launch with 100 bicycles at six B-stations around the city, offering a green alternative to cars for short commutes and errands. The bikes will be available July through October 2010 and the following spring. Locations include McCormick Place, Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, the Chicago Park District Administrative Offices, Daley Plaza and the John Hancock Center.

“Chicago has a national reputation as one of the best large cities in the United States for bicycling.  We’ve been working for many years to lessen traffic by offering alternatives to using the automobile.”  Said the Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, “  I want to thank Bike Chicago and Trek Bicycles for their hard work in putting together this “B-cycle” project.  My goal is to make Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the United States.”

B-cycle was formed by a partnership between Humana, Trek Bicycle and Crispin Porter + Bogusky based on a shared belief that bicycles should be a vehicle for positive health and environmental change as well as an important part of a community’s transportation ecosystem. Together, the founding partners developed a bike-sharing system designed specifically for U.S. cities, universities and corporate campuses. Chicago is B-cycle’s second installation and follows on the heels of the successful Earth Day 2010 launch of Denver B-cycle – the first citywide bike-sharing program in the U.S.

To check out bikes, residents and tourists can register on the B-cycle Web site or at the B-stations conveniently located along the lakefront and Loop. The program will be managed by Bike and Roll Chicago.

“Bike-sharing was created for the commuter whose transit stop is two miles from the office, the urbanite running errands, and the tourist out sightseeing,” explained Bob Burns, president of B-cycle and general counsel for Trek Bicycle Corporation, a B-cycle partner. “With this in mind, B-cycle offers a cruiser-style bike that is comfortable for people of all sizes and biking abilities.” 

Bike-Sharing Gains Speed in the U.S.

First popularized in European cities such as Paris and Barcelona, bike-sharing is quickly expanding around the world in places like Beijing, Montreal and, most recently, Mexico City. Chicago is the fourth U.S. city to set up a bike-sharing program in 2010, succeeding installations in Denver, Minneapolis and Boston. Dozens more cities, universities and corporations are considering such programs.

About B-cycle

B-cycle is a partnership between Humana Inc., Trek Bicycle Corporation and Crispin Porter + Bogusky. The founding partners share a belief that bicycles should be a vehicle for positive health and environmental change and an important part of a community’s transportation ecosystem.

About Bike and Roll  

Chicago B-cycle is owned and operated by Bike and Roll Chicago. Bike and Roll Chicago was founded in 1993 and operates ten lakefront bicycle rental and tour locations in the city. The company is managing partner of Bike and Roll, a national network of bike rental and tour companies with additional locations in Chicago, Miami Beach, New York City, San Francisco and Washington DC.

Media Contact: Jeremy Rothschild

Media Contact Number:  773-230-4422

info@chicagobikesharing.com

 

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