http://www.bicyclenewswire.com Bicycle Industry News en-us Copyright 2005 Bicycle Newswire. http://www.bicyclenewswire.com/rss/ Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:48 PST http://209.200.103.246/img/header1rss.gif http://www.bicyclenewswire.com <I>Nation's Largest Bike-Sharing Effort Tops 7,500 Rides and 41,000 Miles in Just Eight Days!<br> Riders Raise $151,414 for American Red Cross Hurricane-Relief Fund</I><br> Delegates, visitors to Denver, Minneapolis and St. Paul, and residents of the host cities for this year's national political conventions made it clear over the past two weeks that they enthusiastically endorse bicycle-sharing for the good of America's health and environment. Over the eight days of the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, bicycle riders from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and 37 countries (including the U.S.) ... <UL> <LI>Took 7,523 rides <LI>Pedaled 41,724 miles <LI>Burned 1,293,429 calories, and <LI>Reduced their carbon footprint by 14.6 metric tons </UL> ... all by riding Freewheelin bikes in Denver, Minneapolis and St. Paul. Health-benefits company Humana teamed with bicycle-advocacy organization Bikes Belong to bring the Freewheelin bike-sharing program to each of the just-completed political conventions. Leading U.S. bicycle and bike-helmet manufacturers loaned nearly $1 million in equipment for both conventions. And soon, everyone who checked out a Freewheelin bike will receive a message detailing their individual results. 'We're thrilled with the energy we felt and the feedback we received from everyone who took a Freewheelin ride at the conventions,' said Jonathan Lord, M.D., Humana's chief innovation officer. 'From the young man who learned to ride a bicycle on his first Freewheelin ride to the gentleman who rode more than 100 miles in an effort to support hurricane victims, Freewheelin demonstrated the enormous potential of bike-sharing in the U.S.' Before the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, with Hurricane Gustav bearing down on the Gulf Coast, The Humana Foundation and Bikes Belong Foundation said they would jointly donate $10 for each mile pedaled at the RNC. The 15,141 miles ridden in Minneapolis and St. Paul translate into a donation to the American Red Cross hurricane-relief fund of $151,414. Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong, believes the success of Freewheelin at the conventions signals a turning point for bicycling and bike-sharing in the U.S. 'At each convention, elected officials from across the nation took rides, watched their friends and relatives have fun with Freewheelin, and witnessed the benefits of riding bikes for short trips,' Blumenthal said. 'Now these same elected officials are returning home with new information and new enthusiasm about what bike-sharing could mean for their communities. 'When you consider that nearly half of all car trips in the U.S. are three miles or less, gas prices continue to hover at record levels, and Americans are getting more serious about protecting our environment, I'm hopeful we are seeing the beginning of a new golden era of bicycling transportation in our country.' Dr. Lord, of Humana, added: 'The obesity epidemic is causing a health crisis in our country. We eat too much and exercise too little. Promoting bicycling enables us to start down a new path in an effort to encourage Americans to take action if they want to live healthier lives.' <B>The future of bike-sharing in the U.S.</B> Humana and Bikes Belong are leaving 70 bicycles and bicycle racks in Denver and in Minneapolis-St. Paul for these cities to use in creating their own permanent bike-sharing programs. Mayors in each of these cities have indicated their desire to build on the success of Freewheelin by developing permanent programs. Humana and Bikes Belong will continue their partnership in an effort to continue promoting bicycling across the U.S., given the tremendous interest in what happened with Freewheelin in Denver and the Twin Cities. Freewheelin is not just a bike-sharing program, but a developing social network. It has shown that Americans will ride bikes for short trips when bikes are readily available, and when bike lanes and paths are convenient, abundant, well-mapped and promoted. <B>All about bike-sharing</B> Bike-sharing is the international social movement where bikes are positioned at designated stations throughout cities for individuals to use for short trips. It is a viable transportation alternative for those who prefer an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and healthy way to travel. Humana pioneered the bike-sharing program in 2007 in its corporate hometown of Louisville, Ky. The initiative focuses on fun as well as health by encouraging people to get on a bike and ride with friends, just like when they were kids. Twenty-one percent of those riding at Humana were not previously involved in exercise activity. <B>About Humana</B><br> Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 11.5 million medical members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of health and supplementary benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals. Over its 47-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio. More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's Web site at http://www.humana.com, including copies of: - Annual reports to stockholders<br> - Securities and Exchange Commission filings<br> - Most recent investor conference presentations<br><br> - Quarterly earnings news releases<br> - Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls<br> - Calendar of events (includes upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors)<br> - Corporate Governance Information <B>About Bikes Belong</B><br> Bikes Belong is the U.S. bicycle industry organization dedicated to putting more people on bicycles more often. Bikes Belong Coalition works to increase federal bike funding, awards grants to support innovative bike projects, promotes bicycling and its benefits, and sponsors key initiatives such as the National Bike Summit. The affiliated Bikes Belong Foundation focuses on improving bicycle safety, enhancing children's bike programs, and making communities friendlier for bicyclists by backing national efforts such as Safe Routes to School and Bicycle Friendly Communities. http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=20&id=790 http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=20&id=790 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST <I>Retailers and Industry Members Invited to Attend Annual IMBA Breakfast </I><br> Interbike, producers of one of the world's leading bicycle trade shows, has renewed its support for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), the world's largest mountain biking advocacy group. The contribution includes financial support for IMBA's network of model trail systems, and for IMBA programs that bring riding opportunities to kids in urban communities. Interbike is also providing in-kind support for IMBA's annual industry breakfast, slated for Thurs., Sept. 25, at 7:30 AM in the Sands Rooms 106-107 during the Interbike International Bicycle Expo in Las Vegas. Attendees can RSVP for the breakfast (requested, but not required) online. 'Interbike is excited to help IMBA showcase its efforts and build support for the bicycle industry,' says Show Director Andy Tompkins. 'IMBA programs put incredible trails on the ground and attract new riders to the sport. The breakfast provides a perfect opportunity for Interbike and the rest of the industry to show support for IMBA's accomplishments.' IMBA's executive director Mike Van Abel says the group will deliver a powerful message in Las Vegas. 'We promise you'll leave our breakfast feeling inspired about the great strides IMBA is making,' says Van Abel. 'Our latest projects pull together private and public interests to deliver purpose-built mountain bike trails on an unprecedented scale, which will provide a serious boost to the bicycle industry.' IMBA and its affiliated group, the Color Country Bike Patrol, will supply medical and mechanical support for riders during Interbike's OutDoor Demo (Sept. 22-23). Kona Bicycles and FOX Racing Shox will also host an IMBA membership drive during the show, including a happy hour celebration and bike giveaway at the Kona booth (#575) at 5 pm on Thurs. afternoon. http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=14&id=791 http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=14&id=791 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST The original technical fabric wasn't born in a laboratory. It grows on sheep. Wearable, washable, durable, renewable, odor resistant; wool keeps you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. And it is itch-free! Joneswares produces a complete line of Merino wool gear to keep you covered from head to toe. And all the wool clothing they sell is made in the USA. Helmet liners and balaclavas are designed to fit comfortably under most helmets. The unique design of their 'Bean Helmet Liner' is cut to cover your ears and provide draft control on the neck. Base layers are cut with a long 'tail' to make sure your back is always covered. And, they are available in a variety of weights for every season. Arm, knee, and leg warmers are the perfect compliment for transitional temps. Cycling Jerseys are available in both short and long sleeve. Tights, knickers, and shorts are made of super durable, super warm Merino wool; this gear is the 'heavy artillery' for cool weather riding. The stuff is wind and rain resistant and will rapidly become every rider's best cycling partner. Wool. It's warm, it's cool, it's hip, it's real. Check out our new product line at <a href='http://www.joneswares.com' target='_blank'>www.joneswares.com</a>. http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=223&id=786 http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=223&id=786 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST TRIMAX, which designs and manufactures 'The World's Toughest Locks', was set to unveil their new bicycle locks to IBDs next season. However, because of demand the company has decided to offer a sneak-peak in a back-to-school special aimed at bike shops. And Lexco is at the forefront of TRIMAX's special offer. Included in the TRIMAX back-to-school special are: <B>Cable Locks</B><br> Four cable locks are offered: 12mm and 8mm Combo Cable w/Bracket and 12mm and 10mm Key Cable w/Quick Release Bracket. All locks feature TRIMAX's PVC-coated SUPERMAX security armor plated cable that repels saw cuts and bolt cutters, and either a key or resettable combination lock. All locks are tamper-resistant and boast durable, non-corrosive lock mechanisms. <B>U-Locks</B><br> The special includes two U-locks, each with a beefy 14mm shackle, and either a 8' or 11' long shackle. Features key hole cover to keep out dirt, a TRIMAX exclusive dual shear plate locking mechanism, three keys with one key equipped with a mini-flashlight, and bicycle frame bracket. <B>Dual Loop Straight Cables</B><br> Four cables to choose from: 30' x 10mm, 15' x 10mm, 12' x 12mm and 8' x 15mm. Features TRIMAX's PVC-protected SUPERMAX security armor plated cable that repels saw cuts and bolt cutters. Perfect cable for locking bikes to bicycle carriers, or securing numerous bicycles together. <B>Mini U-Lock Cable</B><br> Some riders prefer the security of a U-lock and the functionality of a braided cable. With the Mini U-Lock Cable, TRIMAX offers the best of both ideas. The unique lock and cable combination features an attached mini U-lock to a 6' x 15mm cable. The cable features the company's PVC-coated SUPERMAX security armor plated cable that repels saw cuts and bolt cutters, and the U-lock offers the Trimax exclusive dual shear plate locking mechanism. <B>Super Hex Chain</B><br> This bicycle security system features the TRIMAX 'T-HEX' maximum security chain which is 3' 3' in length and boasts hardened 8mm hexagon-shaped links which are protected by a NYLOMEX fabric sleeve. The short shackle disc U-lock completes the system. 'We are pleased that we can offer our dealers this sneak peak at TRIMAX's new bicycle locking systems,' says Karen Peterson of Lexco. 'Philip Wyers, President of TRIMAX, has been known for his dedication to the independent bicycle dealer and with his TRIMAX locks he hits a home run with an outstanding product.' Says Philip Wyers: 'We at TRIMAX are very excited about aggressively expanding into the bicycle market through the IBD network. Bike shops are the back bone of the industry, and we look forward to supporting the independent bike dealers with our line of high quality locks and security products and delivering maximum value to their customers. 'Along with our industry leading bike lock line, we have been developing a complete line of new automotive bike carriers that will be showcased at the interbike show this September '08. Along with creating great products, we have invested a great deal of time in developing our pricing programs that are designed to help the Independent Bicycle Dealers compete in an economy dominated by the big box retailers. Our unique lock and bike carrier program will only be offered to the IBD's in an effort to separate them from the masses in order to maintain margins and profitability.' Check out the TRIMAX back-to-school special in Lexco's September sales flyer. For details, call Lexco toll-free at (800) 626-6556. <B>About Lexco </B><br> Lexco offers value-driven bicycle products and services to the marketplace. Lexco is a family-owned and operated business that began as a hardware store and Schwinn franchise on Chicago's west side in the 1950s. It continued as a Schwinn bicycle shop on the city's north side in the 60s, and in the 70s, Lexco began making bicycle security cables and has grown that into Lexco's cable division showcased at <a href='http://www.lexcocable.com' target='_blank'>www.lexcocable.com</a>. Lexco became a full-scale bicycle parts distributor in 1978. For more information, call toll-free (800) 626-6556. http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=133&id=787 http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=133&id=787 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST For the past decade SQUADRA, Inc. has focused on building a custom clothing design, manufacturing, sales and marketing business with licensed sales of Castelli branded custom gear for teams, clubs and events within the US market. September 2008 marks the official birth of SQUADRA as a 100% stand-alone brand as the company has chosen not to renew their licensing agreement to produce Castelli custom. SQUADRA products will continue to be what their customers demand in superior quality, fit, durability and the best graphics in the custom business. Fabrics, pads, sizing and styles build upon the manufacturing capabilities SQUADRA has put into place over the last decade. 'SQUADRA is built to exceed the expectations and demands of our customers. Simply put, our mission is to make the best gear and offer the best service. It is time to further our company's personal growth and nurture the development of our own brand,' quotes Dan Weatherford, Founder and President. Building the new SQUADRA '09 product line, catalog and website to launch at Interbike has been the major sales and marketing focus. The website will not only be informational, but highly interactive. Customers will have the ability to access their accounts for online ordering, view their custom gear art, check on the status of their orders and manage payments. The site will go live late September of this year. 'We are certain that everyone who tries the new technology built into our website will find that it enhances the SQUADRA experience and provides service and information 24/7. In this era, we feel customer service goes far beyond the voice on the phone. Our new system puts the customer in control of their account,' quotes Greg Demgen, VP of sales and marketing. SQUADRA will be at the Interbike show in Las Vegas September 24-26 at booth #3231. <B>About Squadra</B><br> Founded in 1996, Squadra Inc. is a leading sales, marketing and technical manufacturer of custom cycling, multi-sport and casual apparel based in Carlsbad, Calif. Squadra holds agreements with USA Triathlon, Specialized and Zoot to manufacture custom gear. SQUADRA distributes Headsweats custom headwear to its customer base. For more information, visit <a href='http://www.squadra.us' target='_blank'>www.squadra.us</a> or email <a href='mailto:info@squadra.us'>info@squadra.us</a>. http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=153&id=788 http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=153&id=788 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST Bikes Belong is thrilled to award four grants to great projects in the summer funding cycle. These grant awards will help construct community paths in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Oklahoma - and build some beautiful Colorado singletrack! <B>Centre Region Bicycle Coalition - Musser Gap Greenway (State College, PA)</B><br> A $10,000 grant will support the Centre Region Bicycle Coalition's Musser Gap Greenway project in State College, Pennsylvania. The greenway will connect the Penn State campus and downtown State College to the great trails and natural beauty of the Rothrock State Forest. CRBC has partnered with the Clearwater Conservancy, a local land trust, and Penn State University to execute their project, and they've garnered tremendous community support. The partnership also expects to receive a grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to help fund the greenway. <a href='http://www.centrebike.org/' target='_blank'>More about CRBC</a> <B>Groundwork Minneapolis-Ryan Lake Trail (Minneapolis, MN)</B><br> Groundwork Minneapolis will receive a $10,000 grant to help complete the Ryan Lake Trail in north Minneapolis, Minnesota. They'll use Bikes Belong's grant as a match for DNR and community funding to construct a highway underpass, completing the first phase of the multi-use path. This project will serve bike commuters and recreational riders in north Minneapolis and nearby inner-ring suburbs, who currently have no safe way to access the regional trail system to the south. Groundwork Minneapolis is a grassroots group tasked with community improvement and environmental stewardship in Minneapolis; it also is part of the international Groundwork network. They've partnered with the Victory Neighborhood Association, the City of Minneapolis, the National Park Service, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and several local schools to restore open space around the Ryan Lake shoreline for public use. The Ryan Lake Trail is a key element in that restoration project. <a href='http://www.groundworkminneapolis.org/' target='_blank'>More about Groundwork Minneapolis</a> <B>Team Evergreen Trailblazers - Buffalo Creek Trails (Buffalo Creek, CO)</B><br> An $8,000 grant will support Team Evergreen Trailblazers' trail work in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area of the Pike National Forest. A major destination for mountain bikers from the Denver and Colorado Springs metro areas, the trail system at Buffalo Creek is well lovedand well used. Trail expansion there will help mitigate user conflict by giving equestrians, mountain bikers, and hikers more room to ride and roam. Team Evergreen Trailblazers is the nonprofit, volunteer trailbuilding arm of Team Evergreen Bicycle Club. They bring planning, equipment, trained trail-crew leaders, and enthusiastic volunteers to trail projects across Colorado's Front Range. Last year alone, the group contributed 655 trail-work hours to the USFS in the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area and 42 trail-work hours to other land managers in the Front Range. <a href='http://www.teamevergreen.org/' target='_blank'>More about Team Evergreen and the Trailblazers</a> <B>City of Enid, Oklahoma - Master Trail</B><br> The City of Enid, Oklahoma, will use their $5,000 grant to begin to construct its comprehensive multi-use trail system. Enid, a rural community north of Oklahoma City, currently has no trails for active transportation and recreation-and 98% of its street infrastructure is without sidewalks. Their 'Master Trail' system, as it's come to be called, will improve the quality of life in Enid by providing residents with a safe, inviting route for walking, running, and bicycling. Bikes Belong's grant will help match OK DOT grants and local funds for path construction. The City of Enid hopes this pathway project will serve as a model for other communities in their state. <B>About Bikes Belong</B><br> Bikes Belong Coalition is the U.S. bicycle industry organization dedicated to putting more people on bicycles more often. Bikes Belong lobbies to increase federal bike funding, awards grants to support innovative bike projects, promotes bicycling and its benefits, and backs crucial national efforts such as Safe Routes to School, Bicycle Friendly Communities, and the National Bike Summit. The affiliated Bikes Belong Foundation focuses on improving bicycle safety and enhancing children's bike programs. Since Bikes Belong's Grants Program began in 1999, we have funded 170 grant proposals in 45 states and the District of Columbia, awarding nearly $1.3 million in cash and leveraging more than $476 million in federal, state, and private funding. Our facilities grants alone have helped finance nearly 1,400 miles of bike paths and trails that link close to 6,400 miles of trail facilities. http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=20&id=789 http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=20&id=789 Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST <I>Freewheelin Bike-Sharing Program from Humana and Bikes Belong Offered Each Day of RNC, Sept. 1-4</I><br> The Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., and the Bikes Belong Foundation announced today that together they will donate $10 for every mile ridden on a Freewheelin bicycle during this week's Republican National Convention, Sept. 1-4. The donation will go to American Red Cross hurricane-relief efforts. This afternoon, the Republican National Committee asked participants and visitors to the RNC to support fund-raising efforts gearing up in response to Hurricane Gustav. 'With Hurricane Gustav approaching the Gulf Coast, we don't know how much damage the hurricane will do, but it's clear that a significant relief effort will be necessary,' said Michael B. McCallister, president and chief executive officer of Humana Inc., and chairman of the board of The Humana Foundation. 'With our Freewheelin bike-sharing program starting tomorrow at the Republican National Convention, we strongly encourage delegates, visitors to Minneapolis and St. Paul, and local residents to ride the bicycles. Every mile ridden will boost The Humana Foundation and Bikes Belong Foundation donation to support hurricane relief.' Humana and Bikes Belong will post regular updates about this effort on the 'community' page of www.freewheelinwaytogo.com this week, including information regarding the larger national relief effort. 'We at Bikes Belong want to do everything we can to help,' said Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong. <B>What is Freewheelin?</B><br> Humana created Freewheelin in 2007 for its employees based in the company's hometown of Louisville, Ky. The bike-sharing and social-networking program links personal health choices to environmental health, reminding riders that doing good - for their health, their community and the planet - is vitally important. Humana and Bikes Belong are providing 1,000 bicycles for free use during this week's Republican National Convention. Bicycle stations are set up throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul, and will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Last week, during the Freewheelin effort at the Democratic National Convention, riders took more than 5,500 rides and pedaled more than 26,000 miles. <B>How Freewheelin Works</B><br> Bikes will be available each day of the Republican convention. Participants who register in advance via the Freewheelin Web site - <a href='http://www.freewheelinwaytogo.com' target='_blank'>ww.freewheelinwaytogo.com</a> - will be ready to check out a bike from one of the multiple bike stations throughout the convention cities. Online registration and use of the bikes during the conventions is free, with all related costs paid by Humana and Bikes Belong. The bikes can be picked up and returned to any station: <B>Minneapolis:</B><br> South 3rd Avenue and South 5th Street (Government Plaza)<br> 1306 Willow St. South (Loring Park)<br> 206 E. Grant St. (Across from Minneapolis Convention Center)<br> West River Parkway and Stone Arch Bridge (Stone Arch Bridge) <B>St. Paul:</B><br> Crosby Park<br> Shepard Road and Ontario Street (Upper Landing Park)<br> 10 Mounds Blvd. (Indian Mounds Park)<br> Those interested in the program, but unable to register online, can also register in person at any Freewheelin station. Greeters will be on site at each bike station to assist with registration and route planning, and safety specialists will be available to answer questions and address concerns. <B>About Humana</B><br> Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 11.5 million medical members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of health and supplementary benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals. Over its 47-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio. More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's Web site at <a href='http://www.humana.com' target='_blank'>www.humana.com</a>, including copies of: - Annual reports to stockholders<br> - Securities and Exchange Commission filings<br> - Most recent investor conference presentations<br> - Quarterly earnings news releases<br> - Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls<br> - Calendar of events (includes upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors)<br> - Corporate Governance Information<br> <B>About Bikes Belong</B><br> Bikes Belong is the U.S. bicycle industry organization dedicated to putting more people on bicycles more often. Bikes Belong Coalition works to increase federal bike funding, awards grants to support innovative bike projects, promotes bicycling and its benefits, and sponsors key initiatives such as the National Bike Summit. The affiliated Bikes Belong Foundation focuses on improving bicycle safety, enhancing children's bike programs, and making communities friendlier for bicyclists by backing national efforts such as Safe Routes to School and Bicycle Friendly Communities. http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=20&id=785 http://209.200.103.246/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showrelease&cid=20&id=785 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST