Earlier this month, we celebrated International Women’s Day and gave a shout out to all the Biki ladies out there. Women’s History Month has also reminded us of the gender gap that exists in bikeshare, with females taking only about 25% of trips in major bikeshare cities nationwide. However, here in Honolulu we’re proud to report that 43% of Biki members identify as women!
We chatted with Biki's operating partners, Secure Bike Share, about what it's been like running an essential service during the pandemic. They share how they've adapted their standard operating procedures and strategy over the past year and explain some of the challenges they have faced as a result of COVID-19.
Q: After 3 years of successfully operating Biki, Secure Bike Share had rebalancing and maintenance down to a science. How has your team had to change its operations strategy since COVID-19?
Considering the COVID-19 pandemic that has unfolded over the last 12 months, we adjusted our operating procedures in a concerted effort to curb the spread of the virus and prioritize the safety of our resident members. This was done by dedicating a large portion of our operations to sanitization. This meant the following:
Another consequence of COVID-19 has been the constant need to adjust to new trends of system usage. Our original operations strategy had been evolving around common ridership patterns since 2017 and when COVID-19 impacted Honolulu in March 2020 those common trends disappeared almost overnight.
With borders being closed to international travelers and the quarantine requirements, our visitor market was also severely impacted due to COVID-19. We responded to this by relocating stations to better serve residents, including installing a Biki Stop at Don Quijote Kaheka and expanding to Kaimuki. All of the above was done while our revenues were severely impacted due to the restrictions caused by COVID-19.
Q: How much has ridership dropped since last March?
Please refer to the yellow line in the graph for 2020 ridership trends. As you can see, rides have steadily been increasing since our April 2020 lows, but are still severely below 2018 and 2019 data.
Resident ridership is steady despite many employees working from home, while visitor usage has decreased due to travel restrictions and a depressed visitor market. Resident members currently make up ~85% of trips, compared to about 65% of trips in 2019.
Q: Have you noticed any interesting trends or changes in ridership?
We've noticed that riders are taking longer trips. Based on our 2020 Member Survey, more members reported using Biki for exercise (70%) compared to only 56% of respondents in our 2018 Member Survey.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as Biki's operators?
We've had to balance the need to provide a 24/7 essential service and adapt to the increased sanitation requirements, all while our revenue has dropped by as much as 60% in some months. The revenue we receive from memberships and rider fares directly funds our day-to-day operations, including rebalancing, maintenance, and equipment.
Unfortunately, Biki has also seen a spike in vandalism. In the last three (3) months we've come across more than 200 deliberately slashed tires, over 15 bicycles destroyed beyond repair (see photo) and large increases in graffiti. These instances are very costly, requiring time, labor and replacement parts.
Q: How can Biki riders stay safe?
The best way to support is to keep riding! You can also help by referring a new rider, purchasing gift certificates for a friend or colleague, adopting a Bike, or donating! Mahalo for the support.
During a visit to Hawaii during COVID-19, California residents Huy and Heather decided to use Biki as a socially-distant and fun way to explore the city.
This was our first time on the Biki bicycles! We saw posts online and were beyond stoked to finally get the opportunity to check them out while we were on Oahu.
After strolling through Ala Moana Center, we decided to head to Aloha Tower as we had never ventured over in that direction. So, we looked up the map on the Biki website and located a Biki station right across the street from the mall on the Foodland side. Within just a few minutes, we pulled out our bicycles and off we went. We rode back through Ala Moana Beach Park and finished our adventure at L&L's for a delicious plate lunch.
Planning your route ahead of time is definitely a good idea so you don't accrue extra charges, stay in the bike lane as much as you can, adhere to the traffic signals, look both ways, but most importantly have fun!
Have a Biki story you want to share? We'd love to hear it! Email kelsey@bikesharehawaii.org.
After exceeding 1.3 million Biki rides in 2019, Biki was on track to have another record year. Then, COVID-19 hit our community, followed by abrupt lifestyle changes and a significant decline in ridership. As we review the data from 2020, we can see how the pandemic has changed the way we ride and how we operate.
You can expect more places to Biki in 2021 with the construction of several bikeway projects planned for urban Honolulu. Outlined in the 2019 Bike Plan Update, these projects will help create a transportation network that provides safer travel, promotes health, and creates stronger and more livable communities.
FEND Foldable Bike Helmet - Durable, Lightweight Helmet for Adults. The FEND helmet folds down by over 50%. It is CPSC safety certified, fully breathable with extra vents for cooling, and extremely convenient. Also included are an extra set of thicker pads for the perfect fit, an integrated dial fit system for precise adjustments, and a premium canvas carry bag for easy storage when not in use.
We believe in the future of cities and the idea of conscious mobility. Whether riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard, these modes all contribute greatly to the impact we have on our environment. We aim to make it easier and safer to travel, and leave our environment better than when we found it.
Think you've got what it takes to be the next Biki Member of the Month? Send us an email with your Biki story or nominate a fellow rider: support@securebikeshare.com. Members of the month may be featured on social media, monthly e-blasts and our Biki blog!
Plan: Multi-Stop (Visitor Pass) - bank of 300 minutes for $25
Plan: Multi-Stop (Visitor Pass) - bank of 300 minutes for $25
Plan: Voyager - unlimited 60 minute trips
Plan: Free Spirit Plan - Bank of 300 minutes to use in any increment
Best Biki Tip: Get and use the Biki App!!! You literally can unlock a Biki from your phone without having to carry your membership card/wallet. It's also very easy to use and convenient when planning your trips. I always check the app and browse the stations that are at or near my destination to see if there are open docks, if not then I have a backup.
Plan: Free Spirit Plan - Bank of 300 minutes to use in any increment
"I bought the Free Spirit Plan because I really wanted to learn to ride a bike during COVID. I was determined to learn by the time the 300 minutes was up. And guess what? I learned in 60 minutes! Now I have all this extra time to ride around and have fun!"
Best Biki Tip: To all my fellow people just learning to ride a bike: just keep pedaling! I know it's really scary and you want to plant your feet on the floor so you don't fall… but you need to trust yourself!
Plan: Commuter Plan - unlimited 30 minute rides per month
Best Biki Tip: Make sure you follow the rules of the road and use all standard safety precautions even though less people are on the road.
Plan: Voyager Plan - unlimited 60 minute rides per month
Best Biki Tip: I've realized that there are other ways to workout...it may not be a gym or something you're used to, but this is the perfect time to try something new. I do my part by bringing Clorox wipes with me to wipe down the seat and handlebars before and after each ride.
Plan: Commuter Plan - unlimited 30 minute rides per month
Best Biki Tip: Get Hawaii Bicycling League's Oahu Bike Map, digitally or paper copy, to find the lowest stress, most fun bicycle routes. It's the best piece of safety equipment you can have and you'll find that many Biki stations are located on or near low-stress routes.
Plan: Commuter Plan - unlimited 30 minute rides per month
Favorite Place to Biki: Waikiki Beach
Plan: Commuter Plan - unlimited 30 minute rides per month
Biki Tip: After adjusting the Biki seat to your preferred height, make sure to lock the latch to keep the seat in place. A loose, spinning seat is never fun while riding!
"We are a one-car household and sometimes it's a coordinated effort between my husband and I as to who gets the car. With Biki, I can go on my own time and the docking stations are plentiful so it's easy to hop on a bike and Biki off to wherever I need to go. Whether that's to work, home, picking up my daughter from school, or just to get a little sweat on and my heart rate up. Plus, not having to worry about parking is a major plus!"
Plan: $25 Monthly - unlimited 60 minute rides per month
Best Biki Tip: Use the Biki App to scope out other stations near your destination before you leave. Most of the time there will be an open dock but every once in a while it fills up while you're on the way. Sometimes it's better to head directly to an emptier station than have to back track if the one you want fills up.
"Biki is an easy way to get people riding again. There's safety in numbers, not just for people riding bikes but for everyone on the street. With more people engaged in the community (for example, it's much easier to say good morning to a person walking when you're riding a bike than when driving a car), it creates a safety net of people who make the streets are safer for everyone. Biki has made our community more of an ʻohana."
Plan: $15 Monthly - unlimited 30 minute rides per month
Favorite place to Biki - Ala Moana Beach Park
Plan: $15 Monthly - unlimited 30 minute rides per month
Favorite place to Biki - Ala Moana Beach Park
Biki Tip - Let the automobiles have the right-of-way. Don't assume that they are going to stop for you. Be a defensive Biki rider and enjoy the ride.
Plan: Free Spirit Plan - 300 minutes to use however and whenever you like.
Favorite place to Biki - To catch the sunset at the beach! I ride from my place in Makiki to the new station at Barefoot Beach Cafe.
Plan: Free Spirit Plan - 300 minutes to use however and whenever you like.
Why? The bank of 300 minutes allows me some flexibility; I feel at ease knowing that I can ride from point A to point B within 5 minutes without having to fork the 30 minute single ride fee and still be able to have the remainder of the minutes available for the next trip.
Lori brings in "Mike" the Citi Bike and "Jen" the Pronto Bike to the KHON2 studio to talk about Bikeshare in 2015. Watch it here.
Plan: Free Spirit Plan - 300 minutes to use however and whenever you like.
Why? We chose the free spirit pass because of its flexibility. We like knowing it doesn't expire, and the auto-pay for renewal has proven to be seamless.
"After a cumulative 80+ year hiatus, Biki Bikes have put these two retirees back in the saddle again! It's true: one doesn't forget how to bicycle! We appreciate Biki Bikes because they're convenient, fun, and reduce time spent driving. We live downtown and have found Biki Bikes extends the geographic range of places we can easily get to without having to get into a car. Biki Bike parking is available near our apartment building, and usually within a block or two of the destinations we visit. The docking stations are easy to use, the bicycles are sturdy and well-maintained. Maybe the most surprising discovery is that in our mid-sixties we still find bicycling fun! We will arrive at our destination feeling exhilarated and fully alive. It's a fun way to get good exercise."
Why? It gives me a pool of minutes to use and I use it in waves so I don't have to worry about my minutes expiring.
Plan: $25 Monthly Plan - unlimited 60 minute rides.
Why? Why not? It's the best one and its a small price to pay. I use Biki to commute to my workplace at the UH Cancer Center, during my lunch hour, and for fun with my husband for fun in the evenings and weekends.
"The bicycle is comfortable. I no longer have to worry about getting my bicycle stolen and my husband is happy to not fix my flat tires anymore! I like having the option to commute one-way and take the bus home if the weather is bad. In my mind, if you can't get there by Biki, it ain't worth going."
**Ying also made our Biki Rider Hall of Fame! She was one of the top 5 women riders during our first year.
**Ying also made our Biki Rider Hall of Fame! She was one of the top 5 women riders during our first year.
Why? I grew up in Mililani and I realized how bad our traffic problems were becoming! I ride Biki because I want to be a part of a better solution for commuting to and from destinations.
"I like the flexibility of Biki. You don't need to scour for parking or worry about your personal bike having mechanical issues. It's easy and the bikes are high quality. Using different bikeshare systems around the world and USA is my new hobby now. "
Plan: Free Spirit Plan - 300 minutes to use however and whenever you like. This member also takes advantage of auto-reload, so every time her balance gets down to zero minutes we fill it up with 330 minutes instead!
Why? I enjoy the flexibility of the 300 minutes because I can use them as needed and not worry about having them expire.
"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 finding parking and walking to work. Biki is a godsend as it only takes 15 minutes, plus it adds pleasure to your day by allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Biki makes me more appreciative of Hawaii because it makes commuting fun, healthy, and stress free. I even invested in a water proof backpack so I could take Biki in the rain with no concern for my laptop."
Plan: $25 Monthly Plan - unlimited 60-minute rides
Why? For my purposes, 60 minute rides is more than enough for 95% of everywhere I need to go. $25 is a great value!
"Biki's a high. Its fun. It energizes me. Its helping me get in shape. I'm 60 but Biki makes me feel like a teen. It's a newfound freedom where I can travel all over the city in less time. Combined with ride sharing and the bus, the options are endless. I'm self-employed and it adds hours to my workweek not having to deal with traffic and parking. My wife and I joke we can't remember where we last parked our car. I've reduced my gasoline consumption by 80% and gained 3 or 4 hours a week not sitting in a car going nowhere. Bicycle quality is fantastic and very easy for a big guy to pedal."
Plan: $25 Monthly Plan - unlimited 60-minute rides
Why? I chose this plan because of the flexibility it offers me to go on longer distance rides. I can go for a good hour-long ride in the morning without any interruptions. Biki helps me stay in shape, and is way more fun and cost efficient than a gym membership.
"As a student of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, I am thrilled to see our city being proactive towards offering alternatives to automobile transportation. Biki will take more cars off the roads, which will reduce green house gas emissions and relieve congestion on our busy streets! Biki also is an affordable commuting option for those who can't afford the bus pass. Most importantly, it's healthy and fun! I wake up every morning and take Biki around town and along the coast for an early morning workout. It's the perfect way to start my day!"
Plan: Free Spirit - $20 for a bank of 300 minutes to use however and whenever you like.
Why? Jenn loves the flexibility of the Free Spirit Plan and appreciates not having to worry about the minutes expiring.
"I love Biki because it's not just for people who are tall! I am 5' and it can be challenging to find a bike that is safe and easy to ride. To all my vertically challenged friends, I recommend you try Biki. It is the best!"
Plan: Free Spirit - $20 for a bank of 300 minutes to use however and whenever you like
Why? Lisette uses Biki mainly for casual rides and lighthearted adventures, so she opted for the flexible Free Spirit option.
"I really enjoy the bike stations, not having to find parking, and not having to own a bike since my place has no room to store one. I think it's great during events around downtown when parking can be scarce"
Plan: $15 Monthly - unlimited 30-minute rides each month.
Why? Vinnie completed over 600 trips in just 5-months, making him one of our top riders. He chose the $15 monthly membership since it is the most cost-effective option someone who rides so frequently!
"I likes Bikeshare because it takes away the stress of commuting and eliminates the need for a car while living in Waikiki"
It was a challenging year, but we still think it's important to celebrate the silver linings! Here's a look at some of our top moments of 2020...
Despite the significant decline in ridership due to COVID-19, we never stopped offering a 24/7 transportation service. Over 830,000 Biki trips took place in 2020, many of which were essential trips for work, exercise, and errands. We revised our standard operating procedures to keep the community safe by shifting resources to equipment sanitation.
In a recent survey, 79% of members said they believe Biki is the safest option of public transportation during the pandemic. >>>
Honolulu joined cities across the globe in closing streets to traffic and opening them up to bicyclists, walkers and individuals using other forms of micro-mobility. On four consecutive Sundays this past summer, residents headed over to Kalakaua Avenue to bike, walk, skate and come together in a socially-distant and unique way. >>>
Another protected bike lane was added to Oahu's transportation network, making Honolulu's streets safer and more connected. This protected bike lane now runs from Wilder Avenue to Kapiolani Boulevard, providing a much-needed mauka to makai connection for cyclists. In even better news, another bike lane is currently being constructed on Ward Avenue, and expected to be ready by early 2021. >>>
We had to remove some stations to accommodate a big city paving project, but turned lemons into lemonade by reinstalling them in highly requested areas including Kaimuki, Don Quijote, and Leahi Beach Park. The three new Kaimuki Biki Stops increase access to the numerous local businesses along Waialae Avenue and will help relieve the parking shortages expected to result from the upcoming closure of Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot #2. >>>
We wrapped up our work with Ad 2 Hawaii and finished a 30 second PSA now airing on your favorite local tv stations. Ad 2 Hawaii provided this work at no cost to Bikeshare Hawaii, the non-profit recipient of their annual Public Service Campaign. Watch it here >>
We finished our first ever Honolulu Bikeshare Report to look at the impact Biki has had on the community. Be sure to check it out to learn more about Biki's history, ridership data, and it's health, environmental and economic benefits. >>>
Huge mahalo to our members and supporters for keeping us rolling this year!
The holidays are quickly approaching, and a Biki gift certificate is an easy and affordable last-minute gift option for a friend, family member or colleague! It’s a unique way to spread the Aloha spirit this season and say “thank you” to your child’s teacher, your mail carrier, or that neighbor who always goes the extra mile.
In our first 3 years of service, over 275,000 individuals took more than 3.1 million Biki trips. That's a lot of pedaling! We recently conducted a member survey to look at ridership data and trends and how they've evolved since Biki's launch in June 2017. Here are a few key takeaways: