Portland businesses reward riders through new ‘Biko’ smartphone app

On Monday, Portlanders will be able to use a new mobile app that will make cycling even sweeter. Biko launched two years ago in Bogota, Colombia and has since spread to Medellin, Vancouver (Canada) and Mexico City. On Monday it will launch in the United States and Portland is one of the first five cities to get it (Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles are the others).

The basic idea is pretty simple: The app tracks your trips and gives you a “Biko” for every mile kilometer you ride. You can then redeem these Bikos at any number of local shops for discounts and deals. Just whip out your phone, show your screen to the cashier, and get your reward. The app already has 167,000 users worldwide.

So far the company behind the app has lined up eight partner businesses in Portland where you can use Biko currency.

Here’s the list:

Nossa Familia
Velo Cult Bike Shop
Potato Champion
River City Bicycles
Pyro Pizza
Guardian Games
Best Friend (coffee + juice cart)
Nutcase Helmets

The app is available for both iPhone and Android.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

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apps, biko, mobile apps