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May Newsletter
06/08/2018Biki – A Public, Private, Non-profit Partnership
We’re very excited about Biki’s growth in ridership and our planned summer expansion. This great news suggests that we must be doing extremely well financially. While we’re doing fine thanks to our users, generous donors, and start up public funds, we still have a way to go before we achieve our goal of being financially self-sustaining.
We thought you might be interested in learning a bit about how we came about and how Biki is structured. In standard bikeshare practice, a city uses tax payer dollars to purchase bikeshare equipment. Then, they hire a for-profit operator to run the system on their behalf. Based on the 2014 Feasibility Study commissioned by the City and County of Honolulu’s Dept. of Planning and Permitting, it was recommended that Honolulu instead set up an Administrative non-profit to minimize public sector risk and create opportunities for support from the private sector. Our non-profit, Bikeshare Hawaii, was then formed in 2014.
Bikeshare Hawaii’s mission is to provide the public with high quality, convenient, reliable, and affordable bikeshare services that enhance community health and livability, strengthen our public transportation system, and connect people to more places where they live, work and play throughout Hawaii nei.
Public support
In 2015, Bikeshare Hawaii was granted $2 million from the City & County of Honolulu and from the State of Hawaii to help launch the initial phase of bikeshare. The City and State also provided city public property locations for Biki Stops at no cost.
Private operator
Secure Bike Share Hawaii, LLC has invested in all current bikeshare equipment and technology, and operates the system. It is taking almost all financial risk, and therefore Secure Bike Share receives fare revenue to help defray operations and equipment financing costs. Secure Bike Share’s responsibilities include bike maintenance, rebalancing, customer service, and customer billing.
Non-profit manager
Bikeshare Hawaii is a 501(c)3 organization created in 2014 out of the joint efforts of theCity & County of Honolulu, the State of Hawaii, the EPA, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Pacific University, and a Working Group comprised of dedicated volunteer leaders. This non-profit manages the Biki program on behalf of the City through a grant agreement. Bikeshare Hawaii also has an agreement with Secure Bike Share for it to operate Biki on our behalf and under our management.
Bikeshare Hawaii is comprised of a Board of Directors, Bikeshare Advisory Group and a small staff led by CEO Lori McCarney. In addition to managing Secure Bike Share, Bikeshare Hawaii is tasked with location planning and permitting, marketing and events, and community outreach.
Along with the initial City and State funding, donations from organizations and individuals have supported our organization’s small startup team and its efforts. These include over three years of extensive community outreach, location planning, equipment and operator selection, branding, pricing and much more. The funds granted by the City and State will expire in mid-2018.
Funding for our summer expansion is coming from a Federal Grant, which required matching funds. We are very appreciative of the over $450,000 that came from donors and supporters to achieve this match. And we’re proud that no additional dollars from local taxpayers will be utilized when Biki’s network becomes more convenient for more people.
Have you reviewed where we are proposing Biki Stops? We’ve identified 90 locations and want to know which ones you support.
We need your support
As a community-based nonprofit organization, Bikeshare Hawaii depends on donations and rider revenue to maintain and improve Biki. We continue to actively seek additional partnerships and donors that share our vision of a connected, healthier and sustainable Hawaii. With donations from supportive organizations and individuals, Bikeshare Hawaii can be financially self-sustaining and even generate “profits” that will be reinvested to improve the usefulness and reach of Biki to our community in the years to come.
Every dollar donated helps Bikeshare Hawaii achieve our mission by supporting the purchase of equipment, keeping ridership rates affordable, enhancing community and employer partnerships, and developing workforce programs. If you would like to learn more about how you can support Biki or to make a donation, please visit biki12-23.test.
Biki for Competitions
Lanikai Triathlon, April 15, 2018 -
Photo courtesy of Lori McCarney
We always love hearing from our riders and how they use Biki, especially in usual places and sometimes outside our current service area. In the past month, we've received emails and photos from users who have used Biki for events such as the Lanikai Triathlon, Metric Century Ride and Honolulu Triathlon.
If you have used Biki for other competitions or events, we'd love to hear about it. Please email us at info@bikesharehawaii.org.
If you are interested in including Biki in an upcoming event, simply fill out an Event Opportunity Request Form!
Honolulu Triathlon, May 13, 2018 - Photo courtesy of Richard Campbell
Biki Tip of the Month
Check your tire pressure before riding
Biki bikes are equipped with tough 24” wheels, super-solid rims, puncture-resistant casing and tires with reflective sides. However, before you hop on a Biki, it's always a good idea to check the tire pressure. The right tire pressure provides for a smooth ride and prevents potential for flats while you are riding.
Simply give the tires a firm squeeze. If the tire has a lot of give, then we recommend selecting another Biki bike. Our riders are never responsible for regular wear and tear so if you happen to get a flat while riding, don't worry! Simply walk the bike to the nearest Biki Stop and press the red wrench button. The bike will be locked in place and the Biki Crew will come by to collect the bike for repair.
BIKI MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Name: Mariah
Plan: Free Spirit Plan; I enjoy the flexibility of the 300 minutes because I can use them as needed and not worry about having them expire.
Why I love Biki: I love Biki because of the convenient stops around town, and the ease of use of the app to find stops and know where and how many bikes are available. It takes all the stress out of commuting around town because there is no need to factor in time and cost of parking. It adds pleasure to your day allowing you to enjoy your commute in the fresh air and sunshine. Biki makes me more appreciative of Hawaii because it makes commuting fun, healthy, and stress free.
How I use Biki: I use Biki because it makes traveling around town far more convenient and even fun! I commute from the North Shore daily, but have to travel between jobs in downtown and Waikiki. At one point it took me 40 minutes to get from Waikiki to downtown, after parking and walking to work, which is almost as long as it takes to drive to NS. Biki is a godsend as it only takes 15 minutes plus it gets me outside with the added bonus of exercise. I even invested in a water proof backpack so I could take Biki in the rain with no concern for my laptop.
Think you've got what it takes to be the next Biki Member of the Month? Send an email toinfo@bikesharehawaii.org with your Biki story or nominate a fellow Biki rider.
Biki in the news
May 1, 2018
Pacific Business News
Japan's largest airline, ANA, signs on as Biki sponsor
Biki in the community
Biki and Bikeshare Hawaii are coming to a community near you. To learn more about Biki and Bikeshare Hawaii, join us at one of our upcoming events below. We invite you to join us or provide testimony at neighborhood board meetings as well. You can also check ourevents page on biki12-23.test.
May 26, 2018
Blue Zones Project Old Stadium Park Volunteer Clean-Up
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Old Stadium Park
Ride to Biki Stop 457 (King and Isenberg Streets) and join Blue Zones Project and the Biki crew in reviving Old Stadium Park! Free lunch will be provided following the cleanup.
June 1, 2018
HBL Bike Month Pau Hana Mixer
5:30 to 8 p.m.
KOUWORK
814 Ilaniwai Street (Kakaako)
June 6, 2018
Keep it Kaimuki, Small Business Pau Hana x Open Talk
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Bess Press (Da Shop)
June 10, 2018
Biki Bicycling Basics Free Workshop
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Children's Discovery Center
111 Ohe Street
(limited spots available, registration required)
June 12, 12018
Waikiki Neighborhood Board Meeting
7 p.m.
Waikiki Community Center
310 Paoakalani Avenue
June 21, 2018
Makiki Neighborhood Board Meeting
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Makiki District Park
1527 Keeaumoku Street
*Let your neighborhood representatives know if you support bringing Biki into Makiki, andreference your preferred station by site number. Email nbtestimony@honolulu.gov and BCC justine@bikesharehawaii.org so we can track support as well.
June 24, 2018
Blue Zones Project Community Kick-off Event
2 to 6 p.m.
Varsity Building Parking Lot
1110 University Avenue
June 28, 2018 - We're turning one!
Biki One-Year Anniversary Celebration
It's hard to believe we launched Biki a year ago. Please join us at one of our Biki Stops and help us celebrate this milestone with free food, giveaways, swag, and more!
Stay tuned and follow us on social media for more information.
We send out a monthly e-newsletter to update our riders on the latest Biki info, news, events, promos and more. Don’t miss out – subscribe today!
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