June 27, 2011

Above Minneapolis' Bike Highway, a Self-Service Repair Kiosk for Cyclists

Self-service repair vending units for bicycles.

Above Minneapolis' Bike Highway, a Self-Service Repair Kiosk for Cyclists : TreeHugger

Making cities more cycling-friendly is not just making biking desirable, it's also about making biking safe and feasible. And that means Bike Fixtation, a company offering self-service kiosks that cater to cyclists in need, which just opened its first location, in Minneapolis.

Last year, Minneapolis was named the most bike-friendly city in the United States, and for good reason. The City has a year-old bike share program and a great network of bike trails, the star of which is the Greenway, a 5.5 mile long former railroad corridor that is now highway for cyclists and pedestrians. And the location of Bike Fixtation # 1 is perfect: in a transit shelter, directly above the uber-green artery.


The kiosk includes a vending machine that sells all the basics: inner tubes, patch kits, lights, plus snacks and drinks. It's also got an electric tire pump and a work stand with the tools to make repairs or adjustments to a bicycle. Open from 6am to midnight, 365 days a year, the Bike Fixtation provides a necessary service to cyclists, and removes one more obstacle on the road to becoming a a more bike-friendly world.

Posted by staff at 08:48 AM

December 21, 2010

B-cycle and Business Sponsorships

"They're the first Denver company to really build their entire marketing efforts around Denver B-cycle," said Denver marketing maven Steve Sander. "I view this as a true investment in something that is good for them and good for the community."

Parker: For real estate firm, a healthy way to pedal deals - The Denver Post

Parker: For real estate firm, a healthy way to pedal deals
By Penny Parker
Denver Post Columnist
POSTED: 12/19/2010 01:00:00 AM MST

The wheels on the B-cycles will go round and round for Kentwood City Properties' 70 employees who were given memberships to Denver's bike-sharing program along with helmets last week from company owners Dee Chirafisi and Jim Theye.

"John Hayden, a broker in our office, is on the steering committee for B-cycle," Chirafisi said. "Every Tuesday we tour all our new listings. He does it on his bike, and he's always at each property first. One day on the property tour, we all took a bike. We had so much fun, we decided we want to support this program."

Chirafisi and Theye decided to take "a large chunk" ($30,000) of their annual marketing budget and invested in a sponsorship, which included the memberships, helmets and 20 bikes with baskets emblazoned with the real estate company's logo.

"They're the first Denver company to really build their entire marketing efforts around Denver B-cycle," said Denver marketing maven Steve Sander. "I view this as a true investment in something that is good for them and good for the community."

Memberships start March 1 when the B-cycle fleet awakes from hibernation. The program was put on hiatus for the winter in part due to weather conditions, and to give organizers time to "tweak" kinks in the program, such as touchy touch-screen technology, and somewhat confusing instructions.

When the bikes are back, Kentwood will have "passes" to rent B-cycles to show properties to potential buyers. A B-cycle will also take up residence in the front window of the 1660 17th St. building.

"It's a perfect fit for the way they do business and the vision they have of experiencing downtown," Sander said.

Read more: Parker: For real estate firm, a healthy way to pedal deals - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_16889830#ixzz18nLF92cH
Read The Denver Post's Terms of Use of its content: http://www.denverpost.com/termsofuse

Parker: For real estate firm, a healthy way to pedal deals - The Denver Post

Posted by keefner at 05:13 PM

December 15, 2010

Outdoor Kiosks Going Green

LOUISVILLE, Colo., Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Bike sharing, recycling, and other eco-friendly applications are gaining in popularity and familiarity throughout the US. As the manufacturer of these nationwide deployments, KIOSK Information Systems has provided substantial design advances for clients committed to achieving the lowest possible footprint in their outdoor kiosk initiative.

Outdoor Kiosks Going Green - The Denver Post

This month, KIOSK is introducing an innovative fan cooling system that virtually eliminates the need for an internal air conditioning unit in an outdoor kiosk deployment. This proprietary fan system exchanges internal cabinet air with external ambient air at 15 times the rate of previous industry standards, consistently maintaining the specified operating temperature range ( KIOSK CTO Don Stark breaks down the environmental "so what" of the design improvement. "This alternate cooling technology reduces average power consumption a minimum of 54% - day in, day out for the expected seven-year machine life. Over time, this one change equates to cutting 3300+ KW hours of consumption per kiosk deployed. This eco-benefit compounded across a single customer's project deployment represents enough energy savings to power 900 homes for a year."
Stark adds, "The economic benefit to an outdoor deployer makes the fan conversion even more compelling. The combined savings associated with omitting the AC unit and using conventional PC technology (vs. solid state mil spec grade) is substantial. By eliminating additional high-end components, it cuts the front-end cost of the equipment 20% or more while reducing long-term operating costs and end-of-life recycling expenses tied to the AC unit."
KIOSK's new off-grid solar power systems, low energy consumption components, and efficient fan technologies are all proven self-service design elements that can be combined and leveraged across their entire client base, setting new industry standards in environmentally conscious self-service.
About KIOSK Information Systems:
Since 1993, KIOSK Information Systems (KIOSK) has led the industry in design and manufacturing of self-service kiosk terminals. An exceptionally broad portfolio of standard and custom KIOSK designs is deployed with Fortune 500 clients in virtually all self-service vertical markets. As the undisputed market leader in custom solutions, KIOSK provides proven expertise in design engineering, component integration, and quick-turn manufacturing for even the most sophisticated self-service solutions. ISO 9001:2008 certified processes in engineering, manufacturing, service, and support ensures every solution provides superior field reliability. Additional information about KIOSK Information systems can be found at www.kiosk.com, by calling 1-800-509-5471, or emailing [email protected].

SOURCE KIOSK Information Systems


Outdoor Kiosks Going Green - The Denver Post

Posted by staff at 02:29 PM

December 02, 2010

First-of-its-kind recycling "kiosk" developed by Coca-Cola

A first-of-its-kind recycling "kiosk" was unveiled this morning in Arlington, part of a joint effort by the city, Kroger and Coca-Cola.

First-of-its-kind recycling kiosk developed by Coca-Cola opens in Arlington | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Arlington News

"I can't tell you how proud I am that the first one in the world is in Arlington," said Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck, who cut a "ribbon" made of bottles and cans.

The "Reimagine" center automatically sorts bottles and cans dumped into its recycling bin. Each item — up to 200 a minute — is carried on a conveyer belt through optical scanners before being sorted, separated, crushed and stored, ready to be remade into new products.

The center will benefit Arlington-area schools through a reward program, and students from Hill Elementary School fed the first containers into the unit, outside a Kroger store at Fielder Road and Pioneer Parkway.

The user-friendly sorter was developed by Coca-Cola Recycling and Environmental Products Corp. in an effort to make recycling easier for those who lack a curbside pickup service.

"Our commitment to the environment is real," Coca-Cola Refreshments President Steve Cahillane said. "We believe in building sustainable communities."

Users can also log in to the kiosk and receive recycling credits, good for free or discounted merchandise.

coke-1130recyclelg.jpg

First-of-its-kind recycling kiosk developed by Coca-Cola opens in Arlington | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Arlington News

Posted by keefner at 04:22 PM

October 08, 2010

Analyst Briefing - Bike Sharing

Teleconference on Bike Sharing market organized by Frost & Sullivan with director of B-cycle. Includes question and answer session.

Analyst Briefing: Bike Sharing: Why the Time is Right for this Transportation Alternative

ANALYST BRIEFING

Title: Analyst Briefing: Bike Sharing: Why the Time is Right for this Transportation Alternative
Analyst: Ratika Garg and Lee Jones
Briefing Date: Oct 21 2010
Time: 1pm EDT/12pm CDT/6pm BST/7pm CEST


Short Description:

Research Analyst Ratika Garg and guest speaker Lee Jones, director of sales with B-cycle, LLC, have completed extensive analysis on the Bike Sharing Market. The research experts will lead a short teleconference about new findings that affect the market, followed by a live question-and-answer session.

You Will Discover:

Bike sharing is emerging as a greener, alternative mode of transportation across North America. The objectives of bike sharing are carbon footprint reduction, healthier mode of travel, travel flexibility and affordability. Although the concept is still in its nascent stage, bike sharing is gradually gaining popularity, with universities and corporate campuses now considering their own installations. States and provinces that are early adopters have implemented bike share programs based on the already successful programs in Europe. In spite of this, several barriers remain for quick adoption that must be overcome to reap the full benefits of bike sharing. This briefing will address the following key issues:

  • Discuss bike share North American business models
  • Review bike share system components (bikes, stations and management software)
  • Assess growth pattern, challenges, and future models
  • Evaluate geographic opportunities for the U.S.
  • Examine the costs involved

    Who Should Attend:

    This Frost & Sullivan briefing will benefit the following:

  • Federal, state, and city policy makers
  • Financial institutions and investment bankers
  • Bicycle manufacturers and distributors
  • Other stakeholders in the value chain - including component suppliers, infrastructure developers, telematics providers, and other supporting service providers

    Registration:

    To register for this event please Click Here.
    http://www.frost.com/atchannel


    Analyst Briefing: Bike Sharing: Why the Time is Right for this Transportation Alternative

    Posted by staff at 08:16 AM
  • September 09, 2010

    Des Moines on B-Cycle bike share bandwagon

    Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, opened 4 bike-sharing kiosks renting 18 bikes during the week of 30 August. The city is the third to open the B-Cycle program for use, slotting behind Denver and Chicago.

    Des Moines On B-Cycle Bike Share Bandwagon - BikeRadar

    We would very dearly like to have as robust a program as they have in Denver or Minneapolis, but for us we decided that we could start with a pilot program and then build from there,” said Carl Voss, chairman of the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, a non-profit organization. “We hope to gain enough traction to build this out to have 100 bikes and 12 or so kiosks in downtown Des Moines by spring or early summer next year.”

    A gaggle of other US cities have committed to the B-Cycle program — which competes with BIXI, a similar bike and kiosk program that recently captured the market in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Washington, DC — but yet to fully install the bikes and kiosks for operation. These include: San Antonio, Texas; Kailua, Hawaii; Broward County, Florida and Boulder, Colorado.

    Denver, Colorado was B-Cycle’s inaugural city now offers the rental of roughly 500 bicycles for use from 47 kiosks located citywide.

    The Midwestern cities offer more modest programs for 2010 — Chicago runs 6 kiosks with roughly 75 bikes and Des Moines opened its pilot run with four kiosks and 18 bikes. Both cities plan to expand the programs next season and all of three of the operational B-Cycle cities suspend the program over the winter months.

    “Both Chicago and Des Moines are pilot programs leading to larger deployments next year,” said Lee Jones, director of sales for B-Cycle. “Denver is a full program, but even the 500 bike installation this year is viewed as phase 1 and the hope is that next year that system will grow to 100 kiosks and 1,000 bikes.”

    “This really scales well,” said Voss. “We’re not as big as Denver or Minneapolis but for alternative transportation this can work in a community of any size. I can see this working in several satellite areas of Des Moines.”

    The Des Moines B-Cycle program allows users to buy one-day ‘temporary’ passes, which cost $5 for 24-hours or memberships for 30-day for $30 or annual for $50 — which include the first hour within the cost of the membership and charge $2.50 for each half-hour thereafter up to the $40 day maximum. B-Cycle bikes may be returned to any kiosk with an open dock.

    B-Cycle rental rates vary from city to city.

    B-cycle bikes are advertized to fit people short and tall, thanks to an easy-to-use adjustable seat post. Fenders, skirt guards and chain guards keep your clothes clean. Automatic lights help keep you safe. Three speeds are offer access to the core downtown Des Moines area. The cities do have a say in the color of the bikes and placement of any sponsor logos.

    “The bikes are designed specifically for bike sharing,” said Jones. “Our Trek design team did a tear down of all of the competitive products that are available worldwide. It’s not a bike that you’re going to find in the catalogue that you can purchase. It’s built specifically for this application.”

    Des Moines is offering free 24-hour passes to B-Cycle through 14 September. Riders must register online and use the promotional code: Karras, in honor of John Karras, co-founder of RAGBRAI and one of the giants of Iowa bicycling. The offer is not available at kiosks.

    B-cycle was formed by a partnership between Humana Healthcare, Trek Bicycle and Crispin Porter + Bogusky based on a shared belief that bicycles should be a vehicle for positive health and environmental change as well as an important part of a community’s transportation ecosystem.

    You can follow BikeRadar on Twitter at twitter.com/bikeradar and on Facebook at facebook.com/BikeRadar.


    Des Moines On B-Cycle Bike Share Bandwagon - BikeRadar

    Posted by staff at 03:43 PM

    July 26, 2010

    Kiosks: Going Green

    Kioskmarketplace roundup on "green kiosks". Includes ecoATM, B-Cycle, and the Greenopolis machines.

    Full articles

    Kiosks: Going green

    Missy Baxter contributing writer
    • 26 Jul 2010


    As consumers and corporations strive to minimize environmental impact, the self-service industry is addressing the issue from the ground up. Eco-friendly kiosks are cropping up everywhere, enabling users to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, kiosk manufacturers, service vendors and deployers are implementing new business practices to boost sustainability.

    This two-part series explores the positive impact of "green" self-service kiosks and efforts by industry leaders to help build a low-impact future.

    Innovative Kiosks Driving Consumer Behavior, Positive Change, Carbon Reduction

    By offering convenient ways to do adopt behaviors such as using alternative transportation and recycling, the self-service industry is helping consumers cut carbon emissions. Kiosks to rent bikes, recycle various items or surf the Internet on solar power are empowering individuals to tackle global concerns such as pollution, e-waste and energy usage. For example:


    • Hundreds of mobile phones — and the precious metals inside them — are recycled daily at ecoATM kiosks in the San Diego area.
    • Thousands of calories – instead of petroleum – are burned monthly by commuters renting bikes at B-cycle's eCycling Stations in Denver and Chicago.
    • More than one million plastic water bottles were collected this year in Greenopolis machines inside Whole Foods stores across the U.S.

    Efforts like that add up, experts say.

    rest of article

    Posted by staff at 09:51 AM

    May 07, 2007

    Little Green Kiosks Coming Your Way

    Ames, IA - May 4, 2007 –Quality Attributes Software (QAS), developer of the industry leading GreenTouchscreen® touch screen kiosks, teamed up with the world’s largest home improvement retailer, The Home Depot, to design and publish the micro site website for The Home Depot’s new Eco Options program.


    The Home Depot chose the experts at Quality Attributes Software to design this dynamic, revolutionary site due to their status as the leaders in the “green” educational kiosk industry, their expertise in energy efficiency and sustainability, and their proven record of providing cutting edge solutions of the highest quality.

    “Quality Attributes Software is extremely excited and proud to have been chosen to partner with Home Depot on this effort,” said Gregg Thompson, CEO of QAS. “The teamwork and creative process between the two companies has been phenomenal. It is a great example of how major corporations are leading the way to help change the public perception about energy savings and the impact it has on our natural resources.”

    The Eco Options program is designed to provide consumers with eco- friendly products for their home improvement projects. The debut of Eco Options in the U.S. was in correlation with Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, when The Home Depot gave away one million compact fluorescent light bulbs to promote energy efficiency.

    Eco Options offers 2,500 environmentally friendly products within its five categories: Sustainable Forestry, Energy Efficiency, Healthy Home, Clean Air, and Water Conservation. Going beyond just presenting eco-friendly products, the site allows users to calculate savings for nearly every product category. QAS designed many innovative calculators for computing energy, pollution and money savings relevant to each category.

    The Eco Options site is a user-friendly, interactive website that utilizes creative correlations focused towards home owners, contractors, and the home improvement industry. QAS drew upon its past experiences with graphics and visualizations to help create a system that helps the public connect with The Home Depot’s efforts in a more eco-friendly environment.

    "As the world's largest home improvement retailer, The Home Depot can provide the widest variety of environmentally friendly products at the best value to more people," said Ron Jarvis, vice president of Environmental

    Innovation at The Home Depot. "The introduction of Eco Options is further testament to The Home Depot's commitment to sustainability and to help its customers choose ways to have less of an impact on the environment."

    For more information about Eco Options and the new micro site please visit: http://www.homedepot.com/ecooptions

    Posted by staff at 01:39 PM