The Green Bike Project (GBP) will provide 200 new commuter bikes - and 100 tune ups for existing bikes - to commuters in return for their pledge to reduce drive-alone commuting by 60% during the project. gbp_small_web_image

The GBP began in mid-August, 2008 and will conclude on May 31, 2009.  At the end of the project, participants who fulfill their pledge will:

  • earn sole ownership of their green bike, or
  • if the participant opted for a tune up of their existing bike, be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 REI gift card.

Participants are logging their commutes at www.greenbikes.net

Partners are key to the Green Bike Project -

  • REI will provide 200 specially branded, fully outfitted Novara Transfers and tune-ups for 100 exising bikes
  • Cascade Bicycle Club will provide bicycle commute safety training, an online commute calendar and access to bike mentors
  • KIng County will provide project management and a 50/50 match to participating employers who choose to give GBP participants a Commuter Bonus Plus voucher of up to $60
  • Washington State Department of Transportation is providing funding through TRPP funds
  • Employers are asked to partner by providing:
    1. secure bicycle parking for all bicycle commuters
    2. access to showers, clothes lockers or closets for all bicycle commuters
    3. an Employee Transportation Coordinator (ETC) or Bike Mentor to help manage the project and act as a liaison between GBP participants and King County
    4. an investment in bicycle gear or incentives to all bicycle commuters.
  • Participating employers include: 
    • Boeing
    • Callison Architecture
    • City of Kent
    • City of Kirkland
    • City of Renton
    • City of SeaTac
    • Cutter and Buck
    • Department of Ecology
    • Expedia
    • Fairmont Hotel
    • Foss Maritime
    • Microsoft
    • PATH
    • Perkins Coie
    • North Seatte Community College
    • Quadrant Homes
    • REI
    • Swedish Medical Center
    • Tommy Bahama
    • Univar USA
    • Williams Kastner
    • Zones
    • ZymoGenetics

What about liability?

Participants in the GBP need to recognize that commuting by bicycle is not risk-free.  We will require that GBP participants complete a free bicycle safety training class prior to participation, wear a bicycle helmet while riding during the project and sign a waiver of liability developed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. 

Read More.

Steps to participating in the Green Bike Project (GBP)

  1. Gauge management interest in the GBP by asking yourself (or them) some key questions. 
  2. Determine whether you will be able to meet the employer requirements.
  3. Gauge employee interest by circulating flyers and posting posters and to let you know if they are interested.  The posters and flyers direct employees to contact you with questions.  If you have 5 - 15 employees interested, you can qualify!
  4. Respond to employee questions about the GBP by reading or circulating the list of frequently asked questions.
  5. If you wish to participate, RSVP to Susan Whitmore by email by August 4th.  Questions?  Contact Susan via email or phone (206-684-1057).