Bikes Belong, the bike industry advocacy group certainly seems to be making some smart political moves right now.
Their latest is a partnership with Humana to provide 1,000 free bike rentals at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. The program is called Freewheelin’ and so far it’s been a huge success in Denver.
Just one day into the Democratic National Convention, more than 1,400 convention delegates, visitors and Denver residents are ready to vote yes … for Freewheelin. The innovative bike-sharing program from Humana and Bikes Belong recorded 1,429 rides, 2,937 miles ridden, 92,000 calories burned and a carbon-footprint reduction of just more than one metric ton.
“If the first day of the DNC is any indication, bike-sharing has tremendous potential in the U.S.,” said Jonathan Lord, M.D., Humana’s chief innovation officer. “Riding a bike is great for your body, great for the environment, and a lot of fun. So many people are returning their bikes with big smiles on their faces, reminded of all the fun they had riding bikes as kids.”
Here’s a video showing the program in action.
There are additional details on the Bikes Belong web site.
Original trestle over the Clinton River in Pontiac
The Clinton River Trail has come a long way after some long struggles. The negotiations to buy the land seemed endless at the time. One of the low points was when the railroad put up for sales signs on the property while we trying to negotiate an affordable price. Fortunately a lot of good folks were pushing for the trail, including Dan Keifer and County Commissioner Bob Gosselin (then a state representative.)
That low point was soon forgotten as the trail was acquired and developed into what it is now.
Last night was a visioning workshop to discuss and determine on what trail features and amenities need to be added in order to make the Clinton River Trail world-class.
It was a very successful workshop that was very well attended. There were the usual faces that have been supportive through the years, along with many new faces. It’s great to see the continued interest in this great community asset and it leaves little doubt that the trail is well on its way to becoming world class.
Sue Moretto and Harriet Saperstein ride in Detroit
It certainly seems like there are more people riding bikes recently. Now Bikes Belong has surveyed bike shops around the U.S. These shops are seeing a significant increase in sales.
The majority of retailers who responded said their sales of transportation-related bicycles, accessories, and service have increased in 2008 compared to 2007:
73% said they are selling more bikes.
84% said they are selling more accessories.
88% said they are selling more service.
Is this increase in sales because of high gas prices? Most retailers who we surveyed think so:
95% of shops said customers cited high gas prices as a reason for their transportation-related purchases.
80% of retailers said gas prices were helping them sell more bikes for transportation.
86% thought accessory sales were getting a boost.
89% said they were selling more service because of high gas prices.
Many new customers are dusting off old bikes and bringing them in for repair. There appears to be a surge of interest in riding bicycles for short trips, errands, and commuting.
We made a suggestion that it’d be real nice if the Art, Beats, and Eats festival in Pontiac had a secured bike corral for bikes commuters. After all, the Clinton River Trail will eventually pass through Downtown Pontiac once completed.
The organizers were listening.
My bike will be in the corral on Friday and Saturday. Hopefully it’ll be parked next to yours!
Take your bicycle to the festival, as well feature a bicycle corral where festival volunteers will register bikers to win cool gear. Downtown Pontiac is easily accessible from the Clinton River Trail, which extends through Rochester on the eastern side and Waterford to the west. You bring a lock and well have a place to park your bike, and we will have security watching them as well. More information on the ITC Greenways Biking Corral is coming soon
This is an interesting Disney animation from 1950 that shows how “normal” people can become maniacal behind the wheel of a car. Sadly enough, cyclists and pedestrians are still the brunt of this motorist abuse 58 years later.
