(Photo: Kiel Johnson/Go By Bike)
Bicycling is like a drug for many people: Once they try it they get hooked and can’t live without it. Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) is so convinced of this phenomenon — and of the benefits of cycling in general — they’re willing to loan people a bike at no cost in the hopes it leads to addiction.
Working in partnership with Go By Bike, the shop that runs OHSU’s massive bike valet under the Portland Aerial Tram, the program has secured a fleet of 22 loaner bikes. Any student, staffer, or contractor with an OHSU badge can take part in the program. Bikes are loaned for 30 days and the only requirement for participants is that they log bike trips at least twice a week via the internal MyCommute system.
OHSU Program Manager Jenny Cadigan says there are about 20,000 commuters eligible. She estimates between April and September they’ll work with over 100 people in the loaner bike program.
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OHSU has secured the fleet with the help of Sellwood Cycle Repair. The bikes are basic Giant hybrid models with flat bars and a set of high-quality (waterproof of course) pannier bags on the rear rack. Participants in the program also get a set of lights, a U-lock, a helmet and free repairs for the extent of the loan.
To sweeten the pot even further, OHSU announced today that any badge holder can take advantage of a $100 subsidy at Sellwood Cycle Repair (for non-motorized bikes) or a $200 subsidy at The E-Bike Store or Cynergy E-Bikes. Cadigan says OHSU will subsidize up to 100 non-electric bikes and 50 e-bikes per fiscal year.
Go By Bike owner Kiel Johnson helped get the program started. “It’s an exciting program and one that I hope more employers follow,” he shared with BikePortland yesterday. If you’re interested in setting up something similar at your organization, Johnson would be happy to help you get it off the ground. (Reach him via gobybikeshop@gmail.com.)
Johnson also sent me a photo of one of the first people to get hooked. Welcome to the bike lanes Natalie Martin!
Learn more about bicycling at OHSU here.
CORRECTION: This article initially said e-bikes were available as part of the loaner program. That was incorrect. Sorry for any confusion.
— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org
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