The Minneapolis business community helping make bike share happen

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Nice Ride Minnesota, a new non-profit created to bring public bike sharing to Minneapolis, today announces another successful round of fundraising. Augsburg College, Grant Thornton, Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Seward Co-op, Wedge Co-op, Equal Exchange, Peace Coffee, Birchwood Cafe, Dero Bike Rack Co. and Aveda have all announced their plans to sponsor Nice Ride bike share kiosks.

In September, Pat Geraghty, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, announced its title sponsorship for Nice Ride Minnesota, as one way they're working to put the brakes on rising obesity levels. The bike share program is a strong compliment to the Blue Cross do campaign, which promotes physical activity and is also funded through settlement proceeds from its historic lawsuit against the tobacco companies. Their leadership was instrumental in drumming-up increased local support.

Nice Ride Minnesota plans to supply 1,000 bikes in about 80 self-service kiosks, beginning in May 2010. Bike share kiosks will be in downtown Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota Minneapolis Campus, and in nearby commercial districts, including Uptown, Midtown, the Warehouse District, St. Anthony Main and Dinkytown. Subscribers will easily use the system, by swiping a membership card to unlock a bike, and then returning the bike to any kiosk in the city.

"Our supporting companies want the Twin Cities to be known for vitality and innovation," said Bill Dossett, Nice Ride Minnesota executive director. "Thanks to our sponsors, Minneapolis will soon lead the nation on bike share. We know other companies will also see this initiative as an asset to the community."

Companies are sponsoring the program for a variety of reasons, mostly because it aligns with each organization's initiatives to have a positive impact in the community in which they serve.

"Active living is healthy living, which is why we're proud to be a sponsor of Nice Ride Minnesota," said Jeff Peterson, president of Abbott Northwestern Hospital. "Bike share is an easy way for people to make exercise part of every day."

"Our sponsorship of the bike share program is motivated by our commitment to eco-friendly practices," said Lee Wallace, CEO at Peace Coffee. "We're active participants in the local cycle community and love the idea of bringing more Twin Cities residents out onto the streets alongside our bike delivery crew!"

"As a local business, we know that Minneapolis has a strong and vibrant bicycling community, and we look forward to being part of Nice Ride Minnesota's growth," said Marcos Lopez-Carlson, customer service supervisor at the Wedge Co-op, "We believe that increasing access to bicycles will improve the overall health of our urban environment."

Tom Vogel, marketing & member services manager at Seward Co-op, believes bike share dovetails with the values of the Co-op's membership. "Seward Co-op is committed to operating with intentional respect for the environment and to investing in the communities we serve. Nice Ride Minnesota aligns with Seward Co-op's mission."

"Aveda shares Nice Ride Minnesota's vision for community wellness, environmental protection and sustainability," Chuck Bennett, vice president of Aveda earth and community care. "We're proud to be associated with such an innovative program that will help people enjoy all the wonderful attributes of Minneapolis."

For additional information on bike sharing and to learn how you or your organization can support Nice Ride Minnesota, please visit www.niceridemn.com or contact Bill Dossett at 612-747-4659.

Contact:
Roepke Public Relations
Katherine Roepke
Melissa Bohlig
612-677-1717
press@roepkepr.com

SOURCE Nice Ride Minnesota

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