WARREN, Mich., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- General
Motors' Warren Technical Center is implementing a bike share
program – the first of its kind from any U.S. automaker – that will
enable its 19,000 employees to commute more easily both on and off
campus.
GM is working with Zagster, a private bike sharing company that
has developed similar programs for other businesses. Employees can
use Zagster bikes stationed throughout the Tech Center to travel
between its 61 buildings covering the 330-acre campus.
"GM is investing not only in the long-term health and
productivity of its workforce, but sending a strong message to
other employers around the country that bike sharing is a
mainstream transportation option for employees," said Timothy Ericson, co-founder and CEO of
Zagster.
Posting on GM's internal website OverDrive, engineers and
designers expressed enthusiasm for riding bikes at a car company,
where walking, driving and timed shuttle buses are the typical ways
employees get from one part of campus to another.
"This is an awesome idea," said John
Waechter, an engineering group manager at the Tech Center.
"I can't wait to quickly get to meetings without walking to a car
and finding parking. This is good for exercise, good for on-campus
mobility and a nice way to actually learn more about non-auto
transportation."
To participate, an employee registers online, then reserves a
bike through text message or a smart phone app that provides an
access code to unlock the lock box mounted on the bike. Zagster's
geofencing technology installed at each bike station, is powered by
solar energy panels – an energy feature comparable to the large
public bike share systems, and unique to the GM/Zagster
partnership. It is also the first private bikeshare system to
employ this technology.
Each bike comes equipped with a basket to safely transport a
laptop, notebook and other small belongings. Riders must wear
helmets and use bells to alert pedestrians when they are
approaching.
"GM is transforming transportation with our products, plants,
people, and partnerships," said GM Director of Sustainability
David Tulauskas. "This bike sharing
program is a great example of engaging our employees through this
first-of-its kind partnership and also helps them look at
transportation in a different way than we traditionally have."
GM's program expands Zagster's existing service in Detroit – which has been used by more than
2,750 users in the last year.
"Private enterprises in Detroit, like General Motors, have stepped up
to provide bike services to their employees," said Ericson. "By
funding and implementing these resources in a way that the local
government can't, these companies are making Detroit a better place to live, work and
play."
GM began a pilot program of the bike share for 50 Tech Center
employees at the end of July. After the successful trial and
mounting enthusiasm from employees, everyone on campus can now
participate.
About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce
vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions
in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive
markets. GM's brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well
as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling.
More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including
OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information
services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
About Zagster
Founded in Philadelphia in 2007
as CityRyde and now headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Zagster is one of the
nation's first bike sharing companies. Zagster is uniquely focused
on contracting with property managers, hotels, businesses, and
universities across North America
to make bike sharing programs available to tenants, employees,
guests and students. This highly efficient and unique model allows
Zagster to offer services in areas that traditional city-wide bike
sharing systems can't reach. More information about Zagster is
available at Zagster.com.
SOURCE General Motors