Frequently asked questions about the Green Bike Project (GBP)

A:  The GBP pledge is to reduce 60% of your total commute trips between mid-August (or whenever you attend training) and May 31, 2009.  You are not required to ride during winter months (November 16 - February 15).  However, should you choose to ride during those months, the trips you make will count towards the 60% reduction of your commute trips between August - mid-November and mid-February - May 31.  There are also requirements to complete a bicycle safety training course and to track your commutes online.

A:  When a GBP participant fulfills their pledge they will either:

• earn sole ownership of the green bike, or
• if they received a tune-up rather than a bike, they will be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 REI gift card.

A:  The bike is a specially branded REI Novara Transfer, which has won Bicycling Magazine's Editor Choice Award for best commuter bike for the second year in a row.  The bike is new and fully outfitted for commuting with a rack, fenders, lights, a kickstand and lock, for a smooth commute no matter the time of day, weather or road surface.  For complete bike specifications, click on this link then scroll down past the photo of the red Novara Transfer and click on the "specs" tab.

A:  If you already own a bike, the GBP will provide you with a basic bike tune up at REI for your existing bike.  You will also get bike commute safety training and access to mentoring.

A:  If you have a bike you like, we encourage you to participate by getting it tuned up.  If you fulfill your pledge to reduce 60% of your commute trips, we will enter you into a drawing for a $1,000 REI gift card.  The odds are pretty good for winning!  At most there will be 100 people participating with their own bikes. 

A:  No, the GBP will not provide helmets as there are countless styles, brands, vendors from which to choose and a wide range of prices.  Participants are required to wear a Consumer Product Safety Commission certified helmet while riding in the Green Bike Project.  Participants need to bring their helmet to the bike commute safety training session.

A:  We applaud your commute choice!  However, you are not eligible for the GBP, nor are people who currently ride the train, vanpool, carpool, bicycle or walk to work for the majority of their commute trips.  The goal of the GBP is to reduce drive-alone commute trips.  So, to be eligible, a person needs to be driving alone for at least 60% of their total commute trips.

A:  No, the pledge is to reduce 60% of your drive-alone commute trips.  A trip can be any length or distance and, you can even use the bike to connect to the bus, train, ferry, vanpool or a carpool.  As long as you are using the bike to eliminate what would have been a drive-alone commute trip -- it counts! 

A:  Absolutely!  The more you use the bike the better rider you will be.  However, the only trips that we count towards your pledge are commute trips. 

A:  We will need your name, your employer name, address and a contact phone number and email address.  If you are getting a bike, we will need your gender, height and pant inseam (for purposes of fitting the bike).  We don't need your social security number, any financial information or date of birth.  Participants will also be required to record commute trips on an online calendar.

A:  One of the goals of the GBP is to develop a sustainable bike commute culture at the participating employer worksites.  So, we've asked your employer to meet the following requirements in order to participate:

• make a small investment in bike amenities, incentive or gear
• provide access to showers and lockers or closets
• provide secure bicycle commute parking, and
• help us coordinate the project 

So, your employer will know that you are participating, if you received a bike or a bike tune-up, if you drop out of the GBP and if you fulfill your pledge.  We will also report trips reduced to your employer.  If, during the project, we need to contact you and aren't getting a response from you, we will contact your employer. 

A:  If you leave your current employer before fulfilling your GBP pledge (either quit or get laid off), you must return the bike to your Employee Transportation Coordinator.  If you leave after fulfilling your pledge, the bike is yours and we hope you continue commuting by bike in your new position! 

A:  Bicycle safety training classes are being provided - and are required - for all participants.  Your bike will be delivered to you at the class.  You should have a plan to transport the bike home with you after class. 

A:  If you fulfill your pledge, the bike becomes your sole property on July 1, 2009.

A:  The GBP participant is responsible for keeping the bike in good working condition and for incidental upkeep and tire repair.  If the bike malfunctions during the project, the participant will need to take the bike to REI for repair.  The repair will be paid for under warranty by REI or King County. 

A:  You may not substantially change the bike or alter its appearance during the project.  Remember, the bike is not your property until you fulfill your pledge.  When you fulfill your pledge and the bike becomes your property, you may make any changes or alterations you wish to make to the bike.

A:  We are providing you with a lock and ask that you park the bike in a safe location.  That said, if the bike is stolen, you must file a police report and report it to your Employee Transportation Coordinator.  You will not be financially liable for the bike.  We cannot guarantee that another bike will be available to you for the duration of the project.

A:  The only age restriction is that all GBP participants must be 18 years of age or older.