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This month, 120 employees representing 7 different businesses have been participating in the first-ever Oahu Commute Challenge, hosted by STCH and Blue Planet Foundation. Participants were equipped with a monthly Bus pass, rideshare credits and a Biki Commuter Plan, and encouraged to get out of their personal vehicles and switch to cleaner, healthier and more efficient modes of transportation for the chance to win prizes. Watch this video to learn more!
Electric-bikes, or e-bikes, are increasing in popularity across the nation. As of early August 2019, 41 out of the 192 cities in the U.S. that have at least one bikeshare system had incorporated e-bikes. These bikes have a battery-powered “assist” feature that is activated when the rider begins to pedal. This feature simply makes pedaling easier, requiring users to exert less energy and travel longer distances. As the trend continues to grow, we frequently get asked if e-bikes are part of Biki’s long-term plan. So, we're providing a brief update to address any rumors and answer all your burning e-biki questions!
PBSC Urban Solutions, the manufacturer of Biki bikes and equipment for 33 other bikeshare systems across the globe, has released the E-FIT, an electric model of our FIT bike. The bike has successfully launched in Barcelona, Monaco, Buenos Aires and Santiago. PBSC has sent us a prototype to study and test and learn more about what introducing the E-FIT might mean for our riders and the Biki system. The bike is the same size frame as our standard Biki’s, but about 20-25 pounds heavier. It tops at 14mph and contains a high capacity battery that can be recharged directly at smart stations. A single charge will last up to 40 miles (70km).
Graphic provided by PBSC Urban Solutions
How could e-bikes benefit our riders and the city?
Shared e-bikes have demonstrated that they get more people on bikes more often. They make riding a bike more accessible for older riders, those with longer commutes, and riders dealing with health issues, etc. For example, a rider who drives instead of Biki’s to work because their commute is too hilly, may finally be able to swap their car ride for an E-Biki trip. The E-Biki would increase our ability to expand into hilly neighborhoods of high-demand, such as Kaimuki. These E-Biki's would not replace our existing bikes, but would be integrated into the system to give riders another option.
CASE STUDIES
In Madison, which now has an entirely electric fleet, "we've seen 1.5 to 4 times the ridership, depending on the day, compared to before," says Lisa Snyder, executive director of Madison BCycle.
Summit Bike Share, Park City, Utah
"We found that 85% of the e-bike trips were made by non-regular users, only 15% were made by regular users. People tend to use e-bikes for longer trips, more trips are generated on weekends than on weekdays, and more trips are made in summer months."
"In the couple months since we've had them, our average daily check-out on an e-bike is 1.7, and the average of regular bikes is less than 1," says Malorie Sarsgard, assistant director of Fort Worth BCycle
What are the challenges?
Other than raising funds for such an introduction, the station planning and utility install will be the biggest hurdle. We would need to implement a new type of “smart station” that would be able to charge the E-Biki's and still be compatible with our existing bikes. Additionally, due to the greater weight of the bike and the required battery charge, our maintenance and rebalancing strategy would need to be altered. Before we get E-Biki's on the ground, the following would need to take place:
- Proof of rider interest
- Preliminary testing and evaluation
- Revising membership options and setting E-Biki fares
- Funding (learn more about sponsorship opportunities!)
- Retrofitting the system to incorporate “smart charging stations”
- Training Biki mechanics in electronics and e-bike battery care
- Several months of community outreach, open houses and rider education
Are e-Biki's safe?
Yes! The E-Fit system is certified according to the most stringent safety and quality standards in the world. Although, electric bikes can travel at faster speeds, our E-Biki's would be set at a maximum top speed based on further research and coordination with the City. Also, the pedal assist feature can only be activated through pedaling. So, you don’t have to worry about the bike taking off while you’re at a red light.
As always, riders will be expected to obey cycling laws and ride cautiously, and helmets are recommended for safety.
Conclusion
So, to answer the electrification questions many riders have come to us about - no, we do not have immediate plans to introduce the E-Biki in 2020. However, we are open to the idea as a way to get more people out of their cars and on bikes. We still have a ways to go and will be sure to release any updates along the way.
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Subscribe to our monthly Biki Blast to get the latest E-Biki updates.
Protected bikeways and marked bike lanes help connect our communities and make bike riding safer, more enjoyable and more accessible for all. There are several exciting projects being built in 2020 as part of road repaving plans in Downtown, Kakaako, Makiki and Ala Moana. Get the scoop!
2019 brought more trips, more riders, and new records. We added 3 Biki Stops and 43 docking points, moved to a new headquarters, hosted a summer picnic, gave away tickets to Tokyo, and launched a bike audio tour. Now that the new year is in full swing, we want to take a quick pause and share some of our latest milestones with you.
The holidays are here and we have a gift for even the most picky person on your list. Perfect for your hard working team, your child’s favorite teacher or your mail carrier – a Biki gift certificate is a thoughtful and affordable present they’ll actually use.
We are moving this month and soon the whole Biki Crew will be under one roof. We’re not there just yet, but wanted to give you a heads up that we will no longer be located at 914 Ala Moana Boulevard beginning December 2019.
Have a friend you have been dying to ride with? Let's get them on a Biki! Give us the name and email of a friend who is not yet a member, and a sentence about why they're awesome and why you want to get that person on a Biki bike.
We'll select 3 of our favorite submissions to receive a Commuter Plan for themselves and their nominees. Only those selected will be contacted. Riders must be at least 16 years of age to use Biki.
Wondering #WheretoBiki this weekend?
Here are 4 suggestions to help you make the most out of your Biki Pass.
Bikigram posted by @han_amanda
First Friday
Chinatown, HI | Friday, December 6, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Chinatown is the place to be on the first Friday of every month. Free art exhibits, entertainment, dining and drink specials, and more can be found all over the neighborhood at popular spots including HiSAM, The Arts at Marks Garage, Louis Pohl Gallery and more. As always, if you plan on enjoying a few drinks, please consider catching a ride home with our partners at Lyft. Use the code "GOBIKI" to redeem $2 off your first 10 rides.
Nearby Biki Stops: With over 10 stations in Chinatown alone, it's easy to find a Biki Stop within a block or two of your destination.
SATURDAY MORNING Farmers Market
Kapiolani Community College and Kakaako | Saturday, December 7
Stock up on fresh produce while supporting local businesses at one of Honolulu's Saturday morning farmers markets. Both the Kakaako Farmers Market (1050 Ala Moana Blvd., 8 - 12pm) and the KCC's morning market (4303 Diamond Head Rd., 7:30-11:30am) are popular Saturday morning destinations offering tasty samples, live music, and unique gifts and products. They're hard to miss! Just look for all the tents.
Nearby Biki Stops: Biki Stop #214 (Kakaako), Biki Stop #527 (KCC)
Honolulu City Lights - Opening Night
Honolulu Hale and Civic Center Grounds
Saturday, December 7, 4:30pm - 10pm
Honolulu City Lights at Honolulu Hale is a month long Christmas celebration featuring elaborate decorations, food vendors, daily activities, and special events. It kicks off this Saturday with the Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:30pm.
Get into the Christmas spirit by going on a self-guided Biki tour of the lighting displays along the Civic Center Bike Path. This area is conveniently a hotbed of Biki Stops so it's easy to dock at any nearby station and experience the festival.
Nearby Biki Stops: 126 King & Alapai (Fasi Building), 125 King & Punchbowl, 123 Beretania & Lauhala
Bikigram posted by @_acidera_
The Honolulu Marathon
Sunday, December 8, 5am
Honolulu is home to the fourth largest marathon in the United States, attracting over 30,000 participants! We're excited to serve as a resource for runners, spectators, and city residents during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Bikigram posted by @tatiaenay
Picking up your race packet? Warm up your legs and avoid parking by going for a short ride to one the 3 Biki Stops surrounding the Convention Center. Biki can also be used on the day of the event to bring you back home, or to your vehicle, after you complete the race.
Cheering on a friend? With Biki, spectators now have the opportunity to support their friends at more spots along the course! After your runner goes by, grab a bike and beat them to the next section to continue the encouragement. We’re sure they’ll appreciate the support.
To accommodate the marathon, several road closures will occur including Ala Moana Blvd., King St, Kapiolani Blvd., Kalakaua Ave. and Kapahulu Ave. Additionally, some bus routes will be canceled and/or detoured. Choose Biki during this busy Sunday to avoid traffic complications caused by detours.
Nearby Biki Stops: All over town!
GET THE APP
Get the Mobile App and make your Biki trip even easier! The App not only shows the location of all 130 Biki Stops, but also displays the real-time availability of bikes and docks at each stop. Before going for a ride, we recommend checking the App to avoid completely empty or full stations. Our team of rebalances will be monitoring the system and restocking stations to accommodate the increase in riders, and we appreciate your patience during busy, event-filled weekends like this one!
Using Biki to get to another place or event this weekend? Document your Biki adventure and share with us on social media. #GoBikiHI
Marketing and Outreach Intern
$25/hr, 40 hours/week
Jun 22 – Aug 14, 2020
HOW TO APPLY
Enter some simple information and upload your resume and cover letter online by February 1, 2020.
The Marketing and Outreach Intern will work closely with our Marketing and Communications Manager to refine our storytelling and promote the Biki brand. The Intern will benefit communities in Hawai‘i by supporting marketing and outreach initiatives that: 1) increase access and awareness of the Biki bikeshare system, particularly with communities typically underserved by bikeshare, 2) engage the community through in-person outreach at community events, 3) develop and facilitate new partnerships with local organizations, employers,and community groups. The intern will learn valuable marketing skills as they develop and execute new marketing strategies and campaigns that raise awareness and increase ridership.
REQUIREMENTS
- Possess a passion for strategic marketing, urban mobility and improving the quality of life in Honolulu
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Creative thinker with the ability to multitask and take initiative
- Familiarity with marketing computer software and social media platforms
- Experience with, or willingness to learn, photography and video, graphic design and digital content creation
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends
Get them a gift that will make biking even better. Here's our 2019 holiday gift guide with top suggestions from some of the folks who use Biki the most.
A Biki Gift Certificate
The best way to keep your favorite rider rollin'. Give her another month of unlimited rides with a Commuter Plan or Voyager Plan; or, hook him up with a Free Spirit Plan for a bank of 300 minutes.
Helmet
There are so many great options out there, but our riders use and recommend the models below, such as the MOKFIRE, Giro,and the collapsible 174HUDSON Stack.
We also stock helmets in 3 colors our Biki HQ for a $20 donation. Additionally, we suggest browsing the selections at local shops such as The Bike Shop, Island Triathlon and Bike and Boca Hawaii.
$15 off packable helmets (regularly $79.99, not including shipping). PROMO CODE: "BIKISTACK" valid through 12/31/19.
The stylish 174HUDSON STACK can collapse down by more than 40%, making it ideal for backpacks, briefcases & more.
REFLECTOR RAINCOAT
Living in Hawaii, you know that it can go from sunny skies to raindrops in a matter of minutes. Save them from showing up soaked to that business meeting by gifting them with a raincoat. Look for a lightweight option with side vents so they don't get too sweaty, and try to find a hood that cinches on their head while they pedal. Although Bikis have automatic pedal-powered front and rear lights, bright colored clothing or reflectors are always a good idea to increase his visibility (especially in a downpour).
basically anything in backpack form
A spacious backpack makes commuting by bike much easier! Consider an insulated version so your rider can pack a picnic and pedal to the beach, or get them a convenient foldable backpack to have on hand for those spontaneous shopping trips. Fanny packs are also perfect if they just need to store a phone and a set of keys - some even come with built-in USB chargers!
Insulated cooler bag
Foldable travel backpack
Waterproof laptop bag
INSULATED WATERBOTTLE
They'll be able to transport their coffee in the morning and then refill with ice cold water in the afternoon. Riders recommend looking for a bottle that comes with a sturdy clip, so it can be securely attached to the bungee in the front basket. Make sure to look for a good quality bottle that won't leak, and maybe even consider a collapsible model!
Fitness tracker or smart watch
These watches are proven motivators, measuring movement, encouraging individuals to be more active and even helping them set goals.
The Fitbit (left) is a popular model, offering less expensive and fancier versions. The free Strava app is another great tool recommended by Biki members that enables riders to easily track their Biki trips.
ADOPT-A-BIKI
Show some love with an Adopt-a-Biki! Write a heart-felt inscription to be placed on one of the bikes in our fleet. They'll be able to track their adopted Biki on our online dashboard to see how many riders their bike has served, the number of miles it's travelled and calories it's burned. If you want to make an extra big impression, consider adopting their favorite Biki Stop in their honor.
Get on the Biki blog! If you love to ride and want to share your story, a Biki Tip, or really anything bike-related, email us at info@bikesharehawaii.org.