Membership

Best Benefit Ever: Access to Ride-Sharing Services

Obviously you can get a lot of places with a bicycle, but sometimes your transportation needs require just a little more than that. Check out how Bicycle Colorado is working to attract new members who occasionally need four wheels instead of two.

You can get a lot of places with a bicycle, but sometimes your transportation needs require more than that. Check out how Bicycle Colorado is working to attract new members who occasionally need four wheels instead of two.

What’s the benefit? Bicycle Colorado offers a free one-year membership to Zipcar to new and renewing members—a cost savings of $85. The association doesn’t cover the hourly fees accrued while driving (averaging about $8-$10 per hour), but with the service available in 30 U.S. cities and on more than 100 college campuses nationwide, it’s a perk that extends far beyond Colorado.

Why it works: It might sound odd for a cyclists’ organization to work with a company that offers access to cars, but Bicycle Colorado emphasizes that the benefit matches its mission. “As car sharing grows in popularity in Colorado, fewer people need to rely on personal vehicles for their car travel needs,” the association’s Mark Erickson writes. “We think this is complimentary to our mission of encouraging bicycling.” It also helps that Zipcar’s vehicles often have bike and ski racks attached.

Other benefits: Bicycle Colorado works to promote cycling , while improving bike trails and street routes for members. Another automobile-related strategy helps with that: Its “Share the Road” license plates encourage drivers to play fair with their bike-riding neighbors.

If you’re in the opposite boat—someone who’s mostly a driver but occasionally rides a bike—AAA Colorado now offers bicycle coverage.

(photo by Bobby Hidy/Flickr)

Ernie Smith

By Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. MORE

Got an article tip for us? Contact us and let us know!


Comments