Press Releases: Colorado
April 20, 2010
Kaiser Permanente Colorado Becomes Founding Funder of Nation’s First Large-Scale Bike Share Program
DENVER, Colo. — Kaiser Permanente Colorado announced today that they will become the founding funder of Denver B-cycle, the first large-scale, citywide bike share program in the nation. When the system launches on Earth Day, April 22, Denver B-cycle will feature more than 375 bicycles at 38-40 stations around downtown Denver, Cherry Creek North, and the University of Denver campus. By the end of June, Denver B-Cycle will feature 50 stations and 500 bicycles. From running errands to commuting to work, Denver B-cycle is a quick, easy and healthy way to get around the city.
Donna Lynne, DrPH, president, Kaiser Permanente Colorado (left) and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper celebrate Kaiser Permanente Colorado’s announcement as presenting sponsor of Denver B-cycle, the first large-scale citywide bike sharing program in the nation. View full image >
Kaiser Permanente’s three-year $450,000 sponsorship is a critical display of confidence in the long term promise of the Denver B-cycle system. The community benefit grant will support Denver Bike Sharing, the non-profit organization that owns and operates the program. In addition, Kaiser Permanente, the state’s largest nonprofit health plan, will provide in-kind support, expertise and resources for research and evaluation, community and worksite outreach, and volunteer support for special projects.
“We are very excited to be a part of this ground-breaking program that promotes a healthy lifestyle and an active mode of transportation for our city’s residents and employers,” said Donna Lynne, DrPH, president, Kaiser Permanente Colorado. “With metro Denver ranking as the third-fittest city in the United States, it is the perfect place to help pave the way for more Americans to lead active and healthy lifestyle. We are proud to support such an innovative program that aligns with our nonprofit mission to build healthier communities.”
Users can sign up for 7-day ($20), 30-day ($30) or annual memberships ($65) online. Users can also purchase the $5 24-hour membership at the B-cycle station with his/her credit card. Discounts are offered for students and seniors. With membership, every time a member checks out a B-cycle from a station, the first 30 minutes is no charge. Escalating usage fee charges apply for longer rides. Simply check out a bike from one of the many Denver B-stations and return it to a B-station near your final destination.
“Denver is the ideal city with its 350 miles of trails and 300 days of sunshine to launch the nation’s first city-wide bike sharing program,” Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said. “Denver B-cycle will offer our residents and visitors an alternative form of public transportation that eases congestion on our roadways and promotes sustainability. We are very grateful to Kaiser Permanente for its support of Denver B-cycle and encourage others to embrace this new era of fun, sustainable and healthy transportation.”
For more information, updates and to register for Denver B-cycle visit http://denver.bcycle.com.
About Denver Bike Sharing
Denver B-cycle, presented by Kaiser Permanente in association with a variety of community sponsors, is owned and operated by Denver Bike Sharing, a Colorado charitable, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Denver Bike Sharing exists to promote health, quality of life and preservation of the environment in Denver. By building and operating a comprehensive, city-wide bike sharing system, Denver Bike Sharing is offering residents and visitors an alternative form of public transportation, which is both environmentally-friendly and affordable. It complements and integrates into the City’s overall transportation system and helps to implement the Greenprint Denver’s Climate Action Plan.
About Kaiser Permanente Colorado
Kaiser Permanente Colorado is the state’s largest nonprofit health plan, proudly working to improve the lives and health of Denver, Boulder, and Southern Colorado area residents for 40 years. Kaiser Permanente Colorado provides comprehensive health care services to more than 500,000 members through 20 medical offices and a network of affiliated hospitals and physicians. The health plan was recently named “Highest in Member Satisfaction” among Commercial Health Plans by J.D. Power and Associates for the second year in a row. Kaiser Permanente was also named the top-ranked commercial health plan and Medicare plan in Colorado by US News & World Report/NCQA. In 2008, Kaiser Permanente proudly directed more than $75 million to community benefit programs to improve the health of all Coloradans. For more Kaiser Permanente news, visit kp.org/newscenter or follows us on twitter @kpcolorado or facebook.com/kpcolorado.