Archive for the ‘Bike Share’ Category

Puget Sound Bike Share selects Alta Bicycle Share as operator; Phase I to launch in Spring 2014

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013 by

Puget Sound Bike Share announced today that it has selected Portland-based Alta Bicycle Share as its operator/vendor to plan, launch and sustain a regional bike share network beginning with approximately 500 bikes and 50 stations in Seattle and eventually expanding into other areas of the Puget Sound region.

One of the most experienced bike share companies in North America, Alta is the vendor/operator behind the highly successful Capital Bike Share in Washington D.C. and Boston’s Hubway. In the coming months, Alta will launch Citibike in New York City, the largest bike share network in the nation, as well as systems in Chicago, Vancouver, B.C., Portland and San Francisco.

Puget Sound Bike Share announced the selection of Alta in a posting on its Facebook page.  In the note, executive director Holly Houser wrote:

“We have been and continue to be impressed with Alta’s approach to bike share and their ability to partner with cities and successfully deliver location-specific systems.  Alta is able to address a number of the Seattle’s unique challenges, offering innovative solar technology, 7-speed bikes and an integrated helmet vending solution. Alta brings the experience and state of the art equipment to operate a bike share network that meets revenue goals and appeals to users with intuitive design and top notch service.

Bike share systems in world class cities from Paris to London to Washington D.C. have become instantly iconic symbols of vibrant and progressive urban centers.  It’s our turn now.  Bike sharing belongs here.

This is a huge milestone for us, and with state and federal grants pending, we are ready to actively pursue a title or presenting corporate sponsor. This is a rare and exceptional opportunity for a visionary partner to support and associate themselves with a transformative community-wide program.”

Puget Sound Bike Share will now enter into contract negotiations with Alta, with a goal beginning launch preparations in early summer.

 

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Puget Sound Bike Share seeks bike share operator/vendor

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 by

Puget Sound Bike Share, a nonprofit working to bring bike sharing to King County, has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified bike share operator/vendors to compete for business deploying and operating a bike share network in the Puget Sound area.

“It’s thrilling to get to this point,” said Puget Sound Bike Share Executive Director Holly Houser. “The $750,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation covers some of our Phase I launch, but we can’t deliver a complete program without the partnership of major players in our community.  With our operator/vendor in place we can begin making commitments on naming rights, station placement and the other benefits to corporations, individuals or foundations that are interested in sponsoring bike share.”

Puget Sound Bike Share has been steadily growing and building support in the region.  Last December, WSDOT recommended that King County receive a $750,000 grant for the purchase and installation of stations in the University District neighborhood.  Puget Sound Bike Share has begun discussions with municipal leaders, developers, advocates and community planners on incorporating bike share stations into their designs and beginning a process for integrating stations to city streets.

“A few years ago a handful of community leaders began planning a bike share network in King County,” said Houser.  “They transformed an idea into a nonprofit organization that is now very close to making bike share a reality.  It is a testament to their dedication to proven innovations, and the enthusiasm of this community for healthy, low-impact transportation options that we are ready to take this step.  The members of our board and the community that supports them deserve our congratulations and gratitude for getting us this far.”

Puget Sound Bike Share will review proposals and make a final decision on a bike share operator/vendor in mid-March 2013.  The operator/vendor will develop, install and operate the network with a target to launch Phase I in spring 2014.

Interested bike share network operators/vendors should contact Puget Sound Bike Share.

 

 

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Puget Sound Bike Share one step closer to launching

Monday, December 17th, 2012 by

Puget Sound Bike Share announced today that it is one step closer to launching thanks to a grant recommendation from the Washington State Department of Transportation Pedestrian and Bicycle Program.

The Program has recommended that King County Metro Transit receive a grant of $750,000 to fund Puget Sound Bike Share’s initial construction of a regional bike share network.

If approved by the Legislature in 2013, the grant will fund construction costs for approximately 12-15 bike share stations in the University District, a key target neighborhood for the Phase 1 launch of a regional bike sharing program.

The grant recommendation comes as Puget Sound Bike Share begins recruiting corporations, nonprofits, foundations and individuals to sign on as bike share sponsors.

“This grant recommendation comes at a critical time.  The grant would allow Puget Sound Bike Share to begin construction on a bike share network that will improve urban travel while fulfilling state health and safety goals,” said Puget Sound Bike Share executive director Holly Houser in a press release.   “The recommendation also sends a signal to other potential funders in the region that bike share is moving forward.  We appreciate the consideration of the Washington State Legislature and look to the larger Puget Sound community to join this effort to make our communities more vibrant and active with bike share.”

If received, the grant funding would be matched by in-kind donations from King County and the City of Seattle as well as in-kind and direct investment funds from the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s.  Puget Sound Bike Share will rely on a combination of corporate sponsorships as well as federal, local and state grants to fund construction and implementation of the broader network.

“A bike share network is the sort of catalyst that can jumpstart a virtuous circle of activity and growth,” said Josh Kavanagh, Director of UW Transportation Services, in a statement.  “At the University District level, just 37 percent of the employed population owns a car, compared to 84% citywide.  This makes our area, along with many other popular urban destinations, an excellent market base for an affordable, convenient, and safe new transportation option.  We are thrilled to have support from Washington State and local partners to launch bike share in our region.”

In early 2013, Puget Sound Bike Share expects to release a “Request for Proposals” for vendors qualified to operate a bike share network.

 

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Puget Sound Bike Share hires its first Executive Director, welcomes REI to Board of Directors

Thursday, November 15th, 2012 by

Puget Sound Bike Share  announced today the hiring of its first Executive Director, Holly Houser.

Formed in August, PSBS is a nonprofit partnership of public and private organizations working to bring bike sharing to King County. In addition to hiring its first E.D., the organization also added REI to its Board of Directors, which already included representatives from agencies and institutions such as King County, the cities of Seattle, Redmond, and Kirkland, Sound Transit, the Puget Sound Regional Council, the  University of Washington, Seattle Children’s, Microsoft, and the Cascade Bicycle Club.

As the head of the organization, Houser will lead a private sector fundraising campaign, facilitate a “request for proposals” process with bike share vendor companies and collaborate with King County, the City of Seattle and others to receive federal, state and other grant funds for bike sharing.

“We need major sponsors to make bike sharing a reality in our region,” said Ref Lindmark, president of the Puget Sound Bike Share Board, in a press release.  “Holly will help us channel interest in bike sharing and enthusiasm for improving communities into lasting partnerships that will launch and sustain the program.”

A native of Seattle, Houser has a strong background in project organization and management, as well as community relations.  Most recently, she served as Director of Operations for a local real estate development firm and in 2008, co-founded Rain City Rock Camp for Girls, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to building positive self-esteem in girls and encouraging creative expression through music.

“Bike sharing is a flexible alternative for connecting people to work, school, retail, transportation hubs and entertainment destinations,” said Houser in a statement. “It’s a great fit for our region and I’m thrilled to work with local companies, community groups, and supporters to bring bike sharing to our region.”

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