Pronto Cycle Share announces long-term helmet-distribution solution
Program to move forward with secure version of current self-serve system in May
SEATTLE, May 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- When Pronto Cycle Share launched last fall, it became the first bike-share program in North America to provide helmets at every station. On Wednesday, May 13, following the program's successful low-tech helmet-distribution system pilot, Pronto will upgrade the system to heighten security and minimize theft. This upgrade will ensure that Pronto can continue to offer convenient access to helmets for all users.
The new helmet solution is the result of a collaborative design process by Pronto and Motivate, the operator of Pronto, along with 8D, the program's technology vendor. In the absence of a commercially viable helmet-vending machine available in the U.S., the team worked together to create a cost-effective and practical method to distribute helmets at every station, leveraging the available technology from 8D.
"Our pilot system was intended to be temporary, but we've found it to be a simple, efficient, cost-effective solution that ensures all users have access to a safe and reliable helmet," Pronto Executive Director Holly Houser said. "Our long-term solution uses our current infrastructure and upgrades it with additional security to reduce helmet loss. It's a win all around."
"We needed to find a way for Pronto to be able to provide on-the-spot helmet access for their riders," said Motivate CEO Jay Walder. "We think we've found a solution that works for Seattle and can be scaled to other cities and sponsors who want to make bike share an even safer and more convenient option."
Until now, the current set-up relied on an honor system, resulting in relatively low loss rates – an average of less than 5 percent of helmets in the field, according to Pronto. The new solution will require users to enter a code to retrieve a helmet.
Annual members can continue to borrow helmets for free, and will receive a complimentary code to unlock the bins and access a helmet. Short-term users (riders who purchase 24-hour and 3-day passes) can obtain a code to rent a helmet at the kiosk for $2, which they can keep for the duration of the pass period and then return to any station.
Under the new system, helmets will continue to be sanitized and inspected after each use, and Pronto staff will stock and redistribute helmets throughout the day via specially designed bikes equipped with helmet-carrying trailers to ensure enough helmets are always available for system users.
For the latest news on Pronto Cycle Share, visit www.prontocycleshare.com, follow on Twitter at @CyclePronto and like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProntoCycleShare.
About Pronto Cycle Share
Pronto Cycle Share is Seattle's nonprofit bike share program, which launched in the fall of 2014. Through bike share, Pronto seeks to connect the community to expanded transportation choices, making it easier for residents and visitors to use a flexible combination of bikes, buses, taxis, street cars, vehicles and walking to move around the city. Pronto is owned by Seattle-based nonprofit Pronto Cycle Share, and is operated by Motivate. To learn more, visit www.prontocycleshare.com.
CONTACTS:
Holly Houser
Pronto Cycle Share
206.607.8816
[email protected]
Kristi Herriott
Firmani + Associates Inc.
206.443.9357
[email protected]
SOURCE Pronto Cycle Share
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