News

Elevating Biking in 2024: Dero Bike Lockers as Catalysts for Health, E-bikes, and Sustainability

As we stride into the promising horizon of 2024, there’s no better time to embrace positive changes that benefit both personal well-being and the environment. One innovative solution, primed to revolutionize the way we approach cycling, comes in the form of Dero bike lockers. These cutting-edge lockers not only promise enhanced security but also serve as a beacon for incentivizing individuals to embrace biking as a lifestyle choice, fostering health and reducing carbon footprints.

Dero Bike Lockers: More Than Just Secure Storage

Dero bike lockers represent a paradigm shift in bike parking solutions. Beyond mere security, these lockers provide a haven for bicycles and e-bikes alike. The integration of charging capabilities sets them apart, facilitating the usage and adoption of e-bikes—an innovative mode of transportation revolutionizing urban mobility.

Bike Locker Double D2 on white background

Promoting Health Through Biking

The new year often inspires a commitment to healthier lifestyles, and biking plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Regular cycling offers an array of health benefits, from improved cardiovascular fitness to stress reduction and enhanced mental well-being. Dero bike lockers serve as a tangible incentive, providing secure parking that encourages individuals to incorporate biking into their daily routines, fostering a commitment to personal health and well-being.

Empowering E-Bike Usage

E-bikes have emerged as a game-changer in urban commuting, offering an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation methods. However, their widespread adoption faces challenges, notably the need for convenient charging options. Dero bike lockers fill this void by providing charging capabilities, thereby promoting the accessibility and usage of e-bikes. This integration not only facilitates convenience but also encourages more individuals to opt for e-bikes as a sustainable mode of travel.

woman riding e-bike

Championing Sustainability

Reducing our carbon footprint stands as a critical goal for the betterment of the planet. Biking, especially when coupled with e-bike technology, presents an environmentally friendly transportation option. By utilizing Dero bike lockers equipped with charging capabilities, individuals contribute to sustainable practices. Opting for e-bikes powered by clean energy not only reduces emissions but also promotes a greener, more sustainable future.

Conclusion: Pedaling Towards a Brighter Future

In the landscape of transportation evolution, Dero bike lockers serve as beacons of change, promoting biking as a catalyst for health and sustainability. With secure storage and charging provisions, these lockers pave the way for embracing e-bikes, encouraging a healthier lifestyle, and reducing carbon footprints. As we embark on the journey into 2024, let’s leverage the accessibility and functionality of Dero bike lockers to pedal towards a future that prioritizes health, promotes e-bike innovation, and champions environmental sustainability.

Advocacy

The Path to Success: Securing Safe Bike Commuting Routes for Dero Staff

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!
Bike Storage, News

New and Improved Dero Decker Two-tiered Bike Parking System

Dero is proud to introduce the new and improved Dero Decker. This innovative, two-tiered bike parking system is now easier to install, smoother to operate, and more affordable than ever. Same great space-saving efficiency, but with additional features making this popular product a must for any bike room or bike shelter where space is at a premium.
U-lock compatibleThe new Dero Decker remains fully u-lock compatible.
Fat Bike Tray for the Dero Decker, so people with bikes with larger tires can park on these lower trays.
The new Dero Fat Bike Tray is compatible with the Dero Decker system.
Dero Decker. The top trays are 40 pounds lighter and include set screws so installers can easily set the downward resting position of the upper trays to accommodate different floor clearances. Installation requires 60% less drilling into the floor than the previous iteration, and installers no longer need to measure the position of the lower trays, since they now come with a bolting foot plate guide. This modular system comes in sections of four bikes (two up and two down) and can be either single or double-sided. In addition, the new track design means top trolleys no longer need to be greased or maintained.
Easier to set up, smoother to use and more affordable.
Bike Storage, Tips

Campus Bike Parking: An Introductory Course

A+ Bike Parking

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.

indoor bike room 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.

Keep Students Rolling

public bike repair stand The Dero Fixit public bike repair stand.

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:

University of Iowa, UT Arlington, Tufts University, Penn State, University of Oregon.

Encourage Active Transportation

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.”

For more information on Dero ZAP, watch our “How it works” video.

Cultivate Campus Identity

bike rack on college campus 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.

bike friendly campus logo

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!

Advocacy

Every Day is Bike to Work Day

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!