Ben, Colin, & Steph on Bike to Work Day.everyday is bike to work day.
River view along the Mississippi River Regional Trail.trail’s website:
“There is no trail maintenance during the winter, including plowing and clearing. Please follow the posted detour routes. Thank you for your patience during this process.”
Map of the closed trail section. Note the detour (yellow) takes riders across the river–opposite the side Dero is located.a 4-lane, 55-mph highway. And when it snows the shoulder all but disappears, leaving us the unpleasant decision to take the lane, despite deadly speed differentials, or hike-a-bike on the unplowed path.
However, Dero employees rose to the challenge (as any Bike Friendly Business would), and organized a multi-pronged email and call-in campaign to the City of Fridley and the Anoka County Parks department. We rallied our non-biking coworkers, building owners, and other commuters within the greater Minneapolis biking community to chime in too.
View of the plowed trail.A plowed trail means Bri is happy. Thumbs up!Projects
Earlier in the year, we told you about how every day is Bike to Work Day at Dero. You might wonder, how do we track our daily commuting, and what do those metrics look like? That’s where Dero ZAP comes in, our commuter wellness program. With a few clicks, anyone signed up can see how times they rode into work, the amount of CO2 they’ve reduced, the number of calories burned and gallons of gas saved. At Dero, we recently surpassed 14,000 miles biked for 2017!
Not familiar with ZAP? Watch this short video and continue reading below!
Did you know that Dero ZAP isn’t just for business commuter programs? Programs have been successfully launched at campuses across the US. Recently, our ZAP Specialist Tony Spaaij interviewed Kimberly Reeves, the Sustainability Program Manager at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Read on to learn about the implementation, results, and highlights of their Dero ZAP program.
Tony: Why did you choose ZAP?
Kimberly: Dero ZAP was the only all-in-one program we could find. Their RFID tags allowed for easy participation that helped move our bike incentive program away from self-reporting. And the online dashboard provides easy access to information for both participants and program managers.
What is your favorite part of using ZAP?
My favorite part of using Dero ZAP are the affirming stories from participants. Our front runner is a facilities staff person, and he’ll be the first to tell you how far ahead of the second place rider he is. There’s also a chemistry professor who can’t get enough of the ‘chirp’ every time he gets to campus. He says it’s like a little cheer that he biked another day; he rides for the health benefits.
What was your experience implementing the program and getting people to participate?
Thanks to our Facilities Services staff, we were fortunate enough to get our first (of five) stations installed before our annual Bike Jam/Bike to Campus Day. At that one event, we were able to sign-up 60 participants. Since then, we’ve held more, smaller bike events and are currently at 85 participants. I think our riders appreciate the elimination of self-reporting data. We’re hoping this upcoming year, since we have all five stations installed as of March 2017, we’ll have more participation.
What have your results been since implementing the program?
That original station is by-far the most frequented, but the data has shown two other entrances on campus that personally, I don’t see on a daily basis and wouldn’t have expected that much traffic. These stats will help advocate for bike infrastructure in these priority areas.
What is your favorite program feature?
My favorite program feature is the ease of randomly handing-out prizes. I’m able to give a concrete goal for the month, and the dashboard provides the ability to sort, draw a winner and automatically alert them with an email. This feature also helps us keep a more accurate inventory of prizes.
Why is it important to promote wellness at your organization?
With the location of our campus on a bluff and 15-30 minutes from amazing hiking trails (not to mention the trails on campus,) promoting wellness seems to be a way of life at UCCS. Active living not only keeps us healthy, but also hopefully provides ways in which we can deal with life’s stresses in a positive way.
And how does ZAP contribute to promoting wellness?
Dero ZAP has been a forum for talking about why colleagues bike to campus. These conversations sometimes involve saving money on parking or reducing their use of single-occupancy vehicles, but no matter the reason, health is usually a main factor.
Interested in learning more about how you can start a Dero ZAP program? Register for a webinar or contact us!
First and foremost, quality bike parking on any campus means more than just something to lock to (that would barely qualify as a passing grade). Good bike racks and bicycle storage should be u-lock compatible, protect students’ bikes from the elements, and be numerous enough to meet demand. Everyone hates searching for a spot to park when you’re already late for class!
Bike shelters are a great example of quality bicycle storage that protects students’ bikes from bad weather. In the above photo, a student at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN checks out a bike from the campus bike share program. The Kolo Shelter is a perfect solution for fitting two-tiered systems, like the Dero Decker, to double up on bike parking capacity.
A bike room at Portland State University.
It should be no surprise that bike rooms receive an “A” grade in our book. Fully enclosed, secure parking, like in Portland State University’s Bike Garage, includes both two-tier and floor-mounted parking options, which accommodates many different types of bikes. Many bike rooms are furnished with public bike repair amenities, such as the Fixit repair stand and Air Kit bike pumps.
Bike repair stands don’t only belong in bike rooms. They’re perfect for busy bike paths, in or outside student residence halls, and in central public spaces on campus. The Dero Fixit provides all the necessary tools so students can perform basic bike maintenance. Add either an Air Kit 2 or Air Kit 3, and students have the ability to repair flats or top off the air in their tires.
Public bicycle repair stands are also great educational opportunities. Many campuses teach fix-a-flat or tune-up classes at the stands, so students can learn how to use all of the tools available to them. Here are a few videos that colleges and universities made to highlight their campus bike repair:
College campuses have high numbers of active people in a concentrated area. Dero ZAP is our automated commuter tracking program and is used to incentivize and gather data on students’ commutes at campuses across the country.
At the University of Minnesota, Dero ZAP has been used to track both faculty and students’ commutes since 2012. Steve Sanders, Alternative Transportation Manager at the U, says that “Since the program’s inception in 2012 we’ve seen increased bicycle mode share and a deepened cycling culture. We’ve also been extremely pleased by how many women are actively participating – over 40% of participants are women.”
St. Olaf Collage chose to highlight their logo in this custom laser-cut Bike Bike Rack.
As more colleges and universities invest more resources into their biking infrastructure, custom racks are a great way for schools to stand out and add a personalized touch to their bike parking. At Dero, we’ve had years of experience making custom projects a reality. All we need is your school’s logo or mascot.
Feel confident you’ve mastered Campus Bike Parking 101? Time to take your biking game to the next level: consider applying for Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) status through the League of American Bicyclists. Dero has been a Gold certified Bike Friendly Business for over 4 years (you can read our story here), and we hope you “ace” your BFU application!
This week, as part of National Bike Month, people across the country are celebrating Bike to Work Day. At Dero, we are too! But for several of our staff, every day is bike to work day. Below, they share what got them riding to work and offer a few tips if you want to try it for yourself. Happy riding!
How long have you been biking to work?
Colin, web/graphic designer: About 7 or 8 years.
Natalia, sales coordinator: 10 years!
Ben, marketing specialist: 7 years.
Ted, sales representative: About 12 years.
Andy, general manager, VP: 10 years
Bri, marketing director: 17 years…holy moly!
What got you started?
Colin: Bike to Work Day, actually!
Natalia: It was quicker than walking and cheaper than the bus. These days I just plain enjoy it. On the few days when I drive, the stress from the drive always makes me wonder why I hadn’t ridden.
Ben: Didn’t want to own/buy a car. When I got one, realized I’m a lot less stressed when I ride vs. drive.
Ted: Somewhat necessity, I didn’t have a car during my internship in college and realized that cycling was a great way to get around. After that I began moving away from the mountain bikes toward more commuter based ones that allowed me to carry items with greater ease and swiftness.
Andy: Starting work at Dero got me into bikes and on a path to spending all my income on bikes. The staff at Dero back in 2007 was surprised when I drove on my first day, so they took me under their wing and helped me get a few bikes and the essentials to start riding. That experience completely changed my life for the better. I got healthier, stronger, happier, motivated, and had a competitive outlet again.
Bri: It was the easy choice in college. Affordable, door-to-door parking, and fast.
Favorite part of biking to work?
Colin: Much more relaxing than driving.
Natalia: Seeing all of the critters, being present and surrounded by nature and seasons as they change.
Ben: Pounding out Strava Segments™
Ted: I love feeling awake and energized when I roll in the door and it’s great that “how was your bike commute?” is such a common discussion here. There’s a lot of camaraderie when it comes to battling rough weather or cruel headwinds.
Andy: The chance that I’ll get to low-five an oncoming fellow rider and wave to everyone I see on a bike. It really starts my day out on a positive note.
Bri: Biking along the Mississippi and crossing the river as well. I’m so lucky that my commute is mostly car-free and so scenic!
Least favorite?
Colin: Mixing with traffic.
Natalia: The wind.
Ben: Not getting the KOM on Strava Segments™
Ted: Rush hour traffic through downtown is always a bit nerve-wracking but I hate driving downtown in rush hour WAY more than biking through it. Traffic can be unpredictable and generally no one is in a great mood when they’re barely moving.
Andy: Not of fan of mega headwinds coming out of the north.
Bri: Marshal Ave NE, since I have to bike without a bike lane with traffic on my left and parked cars on my right.
What’s one thing you’ve learned that you would share with someone who’s never tried riding to work?
Colin: It’s not so hard and you can cover several miles pretty quickly on a bike.
Natalia: Wool is warmer! Being comfortable commuting is all about what gear you choose and often many cost-effective merino wool items can be found at secondhand stores in the sweaters section. One person’s “out of style” is my winter mid-layer!
Ben: Tailwinds are great ways to help get that extra speed to take your favorite Strava Segment™ KOMs.
Ted: A lot of people say they don’t have time to bike to work, but I find that my times aren’t significantly higher than by taking a car. Any distance can sound daunting before you try it and some days those miles absolutely fly by. A well fitting bike can completely change your perspective on cycling for transport. Many who remember the heavy clunky bikes of their youth haven’t taken the time to visit their local bike shop and go on some free test rides of the latest models where an informed bike shop employee can adjust a new sleek bike to fit you and your cycling needs.
Andy: Just do it! You’ll be happier, more productive and enjoy coming to work. That busy rush hour auto traffic is such a negative experience in the morning, might as well do it by bike and feel great about yourself.
Bri: It doesn’t have to be everyday, just try it once a week to see if it makes sense for you.
Anything else you want to share?
Colin: Don’t worry about getting “all sweaty”. Mornings are pretty cool even in the summer and you don’t have to race in. Enjoy the ride.
Natalia: This was my first year riding with a basket and it’s changed my life. I bungee my portable speaker into it and my lunch and I learn while I commute!
Ted: Having a workplace that realistically encourages cycling as transport like Dero is a huge factor in my desire to work here. It’s really nice to have a workplace that, although hardworking and professional, appreciates that their employees can work hard in shorts, tennis shoes and helmet hair.
Andy: RIDE YO BIKE…Always
Bri: Bike commuting has improved my life exponentially. It’s my predominant physical activity and mood enhancer. It gets my blood moving and wakes me up for my workday and gives me time to decompress on my way home. It’s also fun!
By Lou Fineberg
National Advocacy Accounts Manager
This post originally appeared on Strong Towns during their Bike Week.
A bike rack is a bike rack, right? If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all… Actually, bike parking is not quite that simple. For nearly 15 years, I have been closely involved in bike parking. As an advocate, I co-founded Bike Pittsburgh, and now, working for Dero in the bike parking industry, I interact with bike advocates nationwide. Here are my observations about bike parking done right.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Bicycle parking should be located in an easily accessible area that is well-lit, secure, and preferably sheltered. It should be placed as close to the building entrance(s) as possible, or at least as close as the nearest car parking. When done well, bike parking can enhance a space, make people with bikes feel welcomed, and even encourage more people to ride. When done poorly it can convey indifference, cause frustration, be an eyesore, or even a hazard.
Imagine having roads, but nowhere to park cars. As cities increasingly develop bike paths, cycle tracks, and green lanes, bike parking is essential. Otherwise, as any urban planner will tell you, we are welcoming chaos to our public spaces. Good ordinances and good planning help municipalities and organizations determine where bikes get parked.
Transit hubs and businesses are the obvious places for bike racks, but it is also important to observe cities in the same way the esteemed Jane Jacobs did by watching how people interact with places, which leads us to know where bike racks function best. Some underused bike parking investments have been mistaken as failures, but the placement is usually wrong, not the bike rack. Bike parking that is out of the way often gets ignored.
SECURITY AND STABILITY ARE KEY
A bike should be able to rest firmly against a bike rack – two points of contact is ideal. The frame and front wheel, which can swivel, need to rest fully supported against the rack and be able to lock to the bike rack with a U-style or similarly secure lock. This provides security and stability – the essentials of good bike parking.
When selecting bike parking, some basic questions will help determine a good solution: Is it intended for short-term use (less than 2 hours) or long-term (more than 2 hours)? Convenience trumps shelter for short-term parking, while protection from the elements is prioritized in long-term settings. How many bicycles need to be parked? What are the location and dimensions of the space? What is the budget? There are bike racks designed to best fit sidewalks, streetscapes, inside buildings and out. There are horizontal, vertical, stacked, and custom options all designed to meet various needs and spaces. Bike lockers, shelters, and rooms are best for long-term bike parking for additional security and weather protection.
GOVERNMENT’S ROLE
Local government can play a critical role in making sure bike parking is implemented properly. Their tools include requirements in the city code that dictate the appropriate design and quantities for bike parking. San Francisco has among the most comprehensive bike parking regulations in the nation and this has resulted in the dramatic increase in bike rooms in buildings. Streamlined permitting processes for bike racks in the public right-of-way and at events also helps significantly increase bicycle access. Cities that truly want to encourage bicycling have money in their budgets – even a modest amount – earmarked for bike racks in business districts. Sometimes it is a part of a cost share program that helps stretch dollars further, like in Minneapolis. It’s also important to understand and work within the political climate where the legislation is being passed. Proper enforcement will help regulations to stick.
THE INDIVIDUAL’S ROLE
The most important role an individual has is advocating for more bike parking. Governments usually do not act until people speak up. If you feel your voice is not being heard, ally with a local organization and help them champion bike parking as an important issue. Fortunately, the current growth in using bikes for transportation makes it easier to argue your case. This is true when it comes to businesses as well. In the past, bicycle investments were often couched in “the right thing to do” category. Today they are increasingly understood as a smart investment because bike parking and other bike amenities attract people (customers and employees) who demand it.
If you’re a business owner, you might also consider installing a bike rack outside your store/office.
INSPIRATION, CREATIVITY, & FUN
Custom bike racks can be fanciful and help identify stores, neighborhoods, districts, and cities. The key to a successful custom rack is that it must be functional as well. Bike Pittsburgh started in part with a public art bike rack called the Three Rivers rack (check out the video to the right). It caught the public’s attention in a way that helped garner almost immediate recognition and support. Subsequently, we quickly learned the power of the bike rack. It is not only a place to park a bike, but it is a symbol that marks bike friendly places and encourages more people to ride.
Bike Pittsburgh also used a “Pop Up” grant in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Parking Authority to reinvent a small section of a parking garage reserved for eight bike racks. The colorful project, called Space Invaders, significantly increased the amount of bike parking and brought attention to a space that previously went unnoticed. Another project, spearheaded by an affordable housing developer, dedicated the entire side of a historic building in Downtown Pittsburgh to bike parking. They used reclaimed shipping containers at the foot of the building and called attention to it with a several story high mural that is visible to thousands of daily commuters.
EQUITY IN CITIES
Bike parking can also be a way for developers to offset car parking requirements when the local code allows a swap of required car parking for bicycle parking – a common feature in well-informed legislation that reflect changing mobility preferences. The swap has benefited many urban developments. Lena Andrews, a Planning and Development Officer at Action Housing in Pittsburgh is adamant that, “affordable housing should not be car-oriented.”
Developments intended to serve those with lower-incomes are best located in places that are walk, bike, and transit accessible. This also can make projects more financially feasible for developers, since bike parking is extremely inexpensive compared to car parking, and also saves on space which, in this case, increased the number of units for Andrews’ project. Win-win.
Slowly, bike parking is becoming more than just an afterthought. Ten years ago the City of Pittsburgh had no clear mechanism in place to install the Three Rivers bike rack, and it was arduous to navigate all of the city departments involved. However, our team dove in to acquire the signatures from property owners and adjacent property owners, and solve the issue of paying for the encroachment fees. After some perseverance, bike parking emerged as a dramatic catalyst that inspired fun, creativity, and challenged us to rethink public spaces. It became part of the public conversation. Now the City of Pittsburgh has a webpage dedicated to bike parking. Have no doubt – well planned bicycle parking enhances lives, making biking convenient and encouraging people to enjoy their city on two wheels.
Ben, Colin, & Steph on Bike to Work Day.
River view along the Mississippi River Regional Trail.
Map of the closed trail section. Note the detour (yellow) takes riders across the river–opposite the side Dero is located.
View of the plowed trail.
A plowed trail means Bri is happy. Thumbs up!
A bike room at Portland State University.
The Dero Fixit public bike repair stand.
St. Olaf Collage chose to highlight their logo in this custom laser-cut Bike Bike Rack.
