Bike Share Program For DC NPS Employees Launched

A new program designed to allow National Park Service employees to use bicycles intead of government vehicles was launched on Tuesday, affording NPS staff an opportunity to use an alternative transportation method and a chance to help reduce auto emissions. 

In a partnership between the NPS and Humana Inc., the health benefit company based in Louisville, Kentucky, Humana is donating 30 bikes so that NPS employees will be able to utilize them at three NPS locations – National Capital Region headquarters (1100 Ohio Drive, SW), National Mall & Memorial Parks’ headquarters (900 Ohio Drive, SW) and National Capital Parks-East headquarters (1900 Anacostia Drive, SE). Approximately 300 employees will be able to take advantage of the new, one-year demonstration program. Participating staff will need to complete a training module focused on safe bicycling before using the bikes.   

The purpose of the demonstration is to familiarize the National Park Service with the potential role that bike-sharing could play in reducing environmental impacts while also encouraging a healthier workforce. This initiative reflects bold thinking by Director Bomar and aligns with priorities for greening federal agency operations that already have been stated by the incoming administration. 

“The National Park Service is proud of our partnership with Humana Inc.,” said Director Bomar. “I am excited to promote this environmentally friendly program. It provides a wonderful opportunity for our employees to get out of their cars and ride a bicycle, and in the process promote cleaner air and good health.”

"Biking instead of driving is good for your body and good for the planet. It's also fun," said Michael B. McCallister, president and CEO of Humana. "As we get serious about reforming health care in our country, we absolutely must get serious about being healthier. We have to change the way we work and live. By taking advantage of this new bike-sharing system, the people of the National Park Service are demonstrating that they want to be healthier. It's a great way to start the year -- riding a bike."

Humana launched a similar bike-sharing program for its 10,000 employees in Louisville in the fall of 2007. Then, during the 2008 national political conventions, Humana teamed with bicycle-advocacy group Bikes Belong to take 1,000 bikes to each convention. Convention delegates and local residents took more than 7,500 rides and pedaled more than 42,000 miles during the eight convention days. Humana promotes bike-sharing and bicycling for short trips as an activity that is great for your health and great the environment.

 â€œWe are delighted to work with Humana, Inc. to help provide a healthy and environmentally friendly transportation alternative for our employees,” said Peggy O’Dell, NCR regional director.  “I believe our employees will embrace this new effort and will help it become a model for others.”