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Biking to the Chiefs victory parade and celebration with RideKC Bike

That was some game, huh? 🥳🥳🥳 Now let’s make some parade plans! If you plan on biking to the the Super Bowl parade on Wednesday, we have some tips.

How to navigate the parade with RideKC Bike:

  1. Park your car outside the the parade zone. We suggest using your RideKC Bike app to choose an area with plenty of bikes available (Country Club Plaza, Midtown, North KC, or KCK are good bets)
  2. Use the app to find a bike near you and check its battery level.
  3. When you pedal up to the crowd, lock up the bike at a public bike rack, street sign, or other fixed object. Please do not lock the bike to a bus stop or street car stop, handrail, or private property, and make sure your bike isn’t blocking a sidewalk, stairway, doorway, or other access point.

Don’t panic if you can’t get a signal:
Parade organizers are warning that cell phone service may be spotty with so many people downtown. This could impact the reliability of our app and your ability to start/end trips.

  1. If you are unable to end your trip and upload a photo, please contact customer support through the app. We will reply and reverse any overage fees within 24 hours.
  2. We recommend using a credit card instead of a debit card if possible, to avoid tying up your funds and to allow for a faster refund if needed.
  3. After the parade you may need to wait for crowds to disperse and cell service to return before you can unlock a bike.

 

Now Hiring: Bike/Scooter Share Operations Associate

RideKC Bike & Scooter is a great place to work with the professional advocates, policy makers, educators, and bicycle/pedestrian specialists of BikeWalkKC. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and to the cultural competency of our team. 

Current Job Openings

Bike Share Operations Associate
BikeWalkKC is seeking part-time, temporary Operations Associates to support the RideKC bike share program, part of the RideKC family of regional transit providers. We are hiring the field operations team to help build this exciting last mile transportation system. Operations Associates are technicians, knowledge experts, our rebalancing team and the true lifeblood of our ecosystem. The main focus of an Operations Associate is to ensure that all of our bikes are appropriately parked and in good condition for users to ride.

Posted April 19, 2022. See the full job description.

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Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity

BikeWalkKC has a commitment to support diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, employment as well as research and activities. As such we strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members regardless of race, color, creed, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. Women and persons of color are highly encouraged to apply.

Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) to launch partnership with RideKC Bike

Through a new partnership with Johnson County Park & Recreation District, RideKC Bikes will be available in several parks throughout Johnson County starting on Monday, June 1. This new system features a first-of-its-kind pedal bike model that operates in a hybrid “dockless” format. Bikes are located at hubs in each park, which can be found using the Drop Mobility app.

Bike hub locations include:

  • Shawnee Mission Park
  • Meadowbrook Park
  • Heritage Park
  • Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center
  • Mid-America West Sports Complex
  • Mid-America Sports Complex

Opening later this summer:

  • Mill Creek Streamway Park (at Lenexa’s Craig Crossing access point)
  • Arthur & Betty Verhaeghe Park

The parks-based system allows users to scan a bike to check it out, ride it safely, and then return it at any authorized hub location. Every bike has both a cable lock that wraps around a fixed object, and a wheel lock that automatically closes through the rear wheel, ensuring responsible parking. The first ride for new users is free; after that, bikes are one dollar to unlock and 10 cents per minute.

RideKC Bike is providing enhanced sanitation methods to ensure rider safety with every maintenance check, movement between hubs, and repairs.

For more information, visit www.jcprd.com/bikes.

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About JCPRD: For over 60 years the Johnson County Park and Recreation District has been enhancing the lives of the citizens of Johnson County through its parks, quality of programs, professionalism and response to developing trends. Each year, the District records more than 7 million park visitors and over 2 million recreation participants in over 4,000 programs. JCPRD’s mission is to enrich our community through excellence in parks, recreation, culture, education, and public service. Learn more at JCPRD.com. 

About RideKC Bike: RideKC Bike is a partnership of BikeWalkKC, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, and Drop Mobility. The system provides a unique integration of public transit and shared use mobility. Three fleets of traditional pedal bikes, electric-assist bikes, and scooters provide residents and visitors with healthy, sustainable options for getting around Kansas City. BikeWalkKC is the owner/operator of RideKC Bike. Learn more at www.ridekcbike.com.

Contact:

Richard Smalley, JCPRD Marketing & Communications Manager
Richard.Smalley@jocogov.org or (913) 826-3442

Karen Campbell, BikeWalkKC Director of Development & Communications
karen.campbell@bikewalkkc.org or (816) 205-7056, ext. 2

Healing House, Inc. announced as newest Bike Share for All equity partner

MEDIA ALERT

RideKC Bike & Scooter announces Healing House, Inc. as its newest Community Program Partner, connecting needs-based providers throughout Greater Kansas City with low-cost transportation for their clients.

Kansas City, MO | November 7, 2019 – RideKC Bike and Scooter is adding Healing House, Inc. as its newest community program partner. Healing House becomes the fifth organization to partner with RideKC Bike & Scooter to offer subsidized access to bikes and scooters for those in the community that receive needs-based services.

Healing House, Inc. serves the community by offering tools and resources for those seeking opportunities for personal growth and maintain life-long sobriety.  Equitable and diverse transportation options are key in the recovery of participants and this program will be another resource for those in need of mobility solutions.

The Community Partners Program enables local nonprofits, government agencies and social services organizations to offer their clients a steeply discounted RideKC Bike and Scooter Annual Membership.  Now anyone receiving needs-based services can take advantage of the subsidized Annual Membership to access the RideKC bikes and scooters for just $10. Those who maintain a monthly bus pass through RideKC can also add the bike and scooter service to their bus pass at no additional cost.

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BikeWalkKC’s mission is to redefine our streets as places for people to build a culture of active living. We see a community that is barrier free, has complete biking and walking access, and has a connected culture of active transportation and active lifestyles. We deliver innovative education programs, conduct advocacy and community engagement activities, and provide activities that bring people together around active transportation. Learn more: www.bikewalkkc.org

Healing House, Inc. is a non-profit, faith-based substance abuse recovery organization. We work in the Kansas City metropolitan area to provide safe and stable homes with opportunities for spiritual and personal growth along with purposeful guidance and support for men and women who are committed to overcoming their addiction and becoming responsible, productive, drug and alcohol free members of our community. Learn more at HealingHouseKC.org

North Kansas City to allow RideKC E-Bikes and Scooters

MEDIA ALERT
North Kansas City to allow RideKC E-Bikes and Scooters:
City Council updates Bike Share Operating Agreement

Kansas City, MO | November 8, 2019: At its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 5, the City of North Kansas City’s City Council reviewed a proposal to update its current operating agreement with Bike Share KC / RideKC Bike and Scooter to allow for the deployment of electric-assist bikes (e-bikes) and scooters at locations other than its current three bike share stations. Following a review of the features and amenities provided by the new e-bikes and scooters, along with proposed additional docking/parking locations, the Council voted unanimously to update the Cooperative Agreement.

The current bike share kiosk locations at Armour and Iron, 18th and Swift, and 29th and Swift will remain as parking hubs. Additional hubs will include all existing bike racks located on public property in the City of North Kansas City. RideKC e-bikes and scooters feature exclusive “lock-to” technology that requires a rider to use the built-in lock on the bike or scooter to secure it at a bike rack or bike share kiosk. This ensures that bikes and scooters are parked responsibly and out of the public right-of-way. RideKC e-bikes and scooters are powered by Drop Mobility and feature on-board GPS, which notifies local operating staff when the equipment needs servicing, charging, or is improperly parked. Locations for all e-bikes, scooters, and parking hubs are provided through the Drop Mobility smartphone app.

“Welcoming new active transportation modes from RideKC Bike and Scooter is the next logical step in North Kansas City’s work to be a bike-friendly community,” says Councilmember Bryant DeLong. “These electric modes increase access to those interested in biking or using scooters in a healthy and fun way without the stress or expense of maintaining the equipment themselves. We are excited to partner with RideKC Bike and Scooter to give residents and visitors to North Kansas City more sustainable, healthy transportation options.”

“Shared mobility continues to evolve, and North Kansas City remains a leader in the region for welcoming innovative ways to connect the community to amenities that benefit all who live, work, and play there,” says Eric Vaughan, director of bike share and business services for BikeWalkKC / RideKC Bike and Scooter. “We look forward to working together to continue to advance safe, healthy options for enjoying all that North Kansas City has to offer.”

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About: RideKC Bike and Scooter is a partnership of BikeWalkKC, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, and Drop Mobility. The system provides a unique integration of public transit and shared use mobility. Three fleets of traditional pedal bikes, electric-assist bikes, and scooters provide residents and visitors with healthy, sustainable transportation options. The bike share and scooter program is a part of the RideKC regional transit family of mobility services, including Bus, MAX, Streetcar, and now shared-use bikes and scooters. For more information, please visit www.ridekcbike.com.

RideKC Bikes and Scooters chosen as official operators in KCMO pilot program

Today we are excited to be part of the next phase of the City’s dockless shared use mobility program. Look for more RideKC Bike e-bikes on the streets of KC in the coming weeks, and soon the addition of scooters!

The City of Kansas City, MO interim dockless program started in Summer 2018, and is now moving into a year-long pilot program to develop rules and regulations for the rapidly-evolving worlds of micro-mobility and shared-use transportation.

RideKC Bike launched an electric-assist bike share program in early 2019, and as part of the new City Hall pilot program we will soon be adding e-scooters to the mix. Stay tuned for more details about our scooter launch in the coming weeks.

The RideKC Bike system is a new part of the RideKC family of mobility services, which operates a unique mix technologies that extend the fixed-route transit system and gives local residents and visitors a variety of options for getting around KC.

RideKC Bike now features:

  • Smart, electric-assist bikes and e-scooters operating in a hybrid docked/dockless system with lock-to technology that utilizes existing and new bike racks to ensure our devices are organized, thoughtfully deployed, and enhance public spaces.
  • Pedal bikes operating in a traditional docked, kiosk-based system (formerly branded as KC BCycle) at 42 locations in Downtown, Midtown, 18th & Vine, the Plaza, Brookside, Waldo, and North Kansas City.
  • Bike Share for All, ensuring all Kansas Citians have access to bike – especially those impacted by disparities in mobility, health, and economics.
  • Bike+Bus Pass allowing commuters to transfer seamless between RideKC Bus, RideKC Max, and RideKC Bike.

About RideKC Bike
RideKC Bike is a public/private/nonprofit partnership led by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and BikeWalkKC, operating a family of shared use mobility services powered by equipment and technology supplied by Drop Mobility and BCycle.

The bike share program is a part of the RideKC regional transit family of mobility services, including Bus, MAX, Streetcar, and now bikes and scooters. The shared use mobility services are operated by BikeWalkKC, a local 501c3 charitable nonprofit working to redefine our streets as places for people to build a culture of active living.

Major funding for bike share is provided by the City of Kansas City, MO; Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, the Health Forward Foundation, H&R Block Foundation, and many other sponsors and partners in the community.

BikeWalkKC’s Bike Share program to get new look after KCATA Board approves agreement

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) Board of Commissioners approved a one-year agreement with BikeWalkKC for the Kansas City Bike Share system. The agreement will expand the RideKC family of transit options to include RideKC Bike, to be offered alongside existing bus, MAX, streetcar, paratransit, and ride share services.

This unique nonprofit/transit partnership will provide shared transportation services that extend and expand bike sharing in the metro. All existing bike share assets, including the 42 kiosks and 230 pedal bikes, will be rebranded as RideKC Bike. Some existing kiosks will be relocated to locations closer to transit later this spring. The RideKC Bike smart, electric-assist bike system will grow to include 150 new bikes located at hubs around the Kansas City, Mo., area. BikeWalkKC will continue to operate the bike share program.

“We are proud to support the growth of bike share in Kansas City,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO. “Bike sharing will provide important first-and-last mile options for those using transit in the metro, and provide healthy, green transportation options for residents and visitors to Kansas City.”

Both RideKC Bike options (pedal and e-bikes) operate using an app-based system. The e-bikes, powered by Drop Mobility, may be checked out and returned to any designated hub around the city, with per-hour and day rates available. E-bikes feature a “hold” option that allows riders to lock the bike to any bike rack and hold their trip until they are ready to return the bike to a hub and end their trip. Pedal bikes may be checked out from and returned to any of the 42 station-based kiosks (docks), with a range of membership options from hourly to annual. More information is available on the RideKC Bike website: www.ridekcbike.com.

BikeWalkKC and the KCATA have a long history of successful partnerships. Recent efforts include the new combined Bike + Bus pass and BikeWalkKC’s bike share equity project, “Bike Share for All,” which partners with local social service agencies to provide affordable bike share access for underserved communities.

“We are excited to be a part of the RideKC family,” said Eric Rogers, executive director of BikeWalkKC. “This partnership will ensure improved equity, access, and connectivity for transit users, and provide affordable, reliable, and convenient solutions for neighborhoods, communities, and individuals across the city.”

Media Inquiries

Karen Campbell
BikeWalkKC
Director of Communications & Development
(816) 205-7056, ext. 2
karen.campbell@bikewalkkc.org

Petrina Parker
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
Public Information Officer
(816) 346-0391
pparker@kcata.org

MEDIA ALERT: BikeWalkKC to Pilot Region’s First Smart Bike Share Program with Drop Mobility and RideKC

         

MEDIA ALERT

BikeWalkKC to Pilot Region’s First Smart Bike Share Program with Drop Mobility and RideKC

Media Launch Event: 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, at KCATA, 1200 E. 18th St., KCMO 64108

Kansas City, Mo. | Nov. 28, 2018 – RideKC and BikeWalkKC announce a new partnership to bring shared-use electric assist bicycles to Kansas City. RideKC and BikeWalkKC will partner with Drop Mobility, a leading micromobility provider, to launch this new fleet of smart e-bikes. The newly branded RideKC Bike program, powered by Drop Mobility’s hardware and software, will launch Nov. 30 with 150 electric-assist bikes featuring “lock-to” smart technology, rolling out over the coming months.

As part of the program’s future growth, a unique new public/private/non-profit partnership will provide shared transportation services that expand and improve bike sharing in the metro. The lock-to system will work alongside the existing bike share system: using a smartphone app, a user locates a bike near them and unlocks the bike. When finished riding, the user parks and locks the bike to any designated bike rack or existing bike share station, using an attached lock, or docks at an existing bike share station. The app will provide location information for “hubs” or bike parking station locations. The bikes are equipped with on-board GPS, which notifies RideKC Bike operating staff when the bike needs service or charging. Electric-assist bikes help riders by boosting their efforts while pedaling, providing ease for climbing hills, longer rides and for users with physical limitations that prevent extended cycling.

“The RideKC family of transit options has just become more robust,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO. “And that’s good news for consumers. We understand that people want the freedom to choose how they get around. Now they have more choices than ever, from streetcars, to e-bikes, to buses, to bike share, to scooters to paratransit and more. This three-way partnership is another ‘first’ in the Kansas City transit space.”

“Shared mobility is rapidly evolving worldwide with new technologies such as dockless and electric-assist options,” said Eric Rogers, BikeWalkKC Executive Director. “We are excited to be working with Drop Mobility and the KCATA to roll out a new electric fleet to ensure bikes are responsibly secured, and yet accessible to more people.”

“Since our founding, we have been committed to furthering the advent of micromobility by creating operating models and hardware that both last for the long-haul and solve a real transportation need for all residents of the communities we serve. We’re delighted to be working with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and BikeWalkKC. Through this partnership, we will deliver a truly seamless, integrated and sustainable micromobility service,” said Qiming Weng, CEO of Drop Mobility.

Media inquiries contact:

Karen Campbell
BikeWalkKC
Director of Communications & Development
(816) 205-7056, ext. 2
karen.campbell@bikewalkkc.org

Cindy Baker
Kansas City Area Transportation Authority
Chief External Affairs Officer
(816) 510-2874 (cell)
cbaker@kcata.org

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s mission is to connect people to opportunities throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan region. KCATA was created in 1965 throughspecial state legislative action in both Missouri and Kansas. The region’s public transportationproviders are unified under one system, one name, one brand, RideKC, providing more than 16 million trips per year.

BikeWalkKC is a nonprofit bicycle/pedestrian advocacy organization serving greater Kansas City. Our programs and services empower citizens, communities, and professionals for excellence in advocating, planning, and engineering for better walking and bicycling.

Drop Mobility is a leading shared electric micromobility solutions provider for cities across North America. Drop operates a micromobility platform truly integrated into city transportation infrastructure, while providing highly reliable systems that entail not just quality hardware, but also attention to detail in software, operations and user experience. Users can find Drop Mobility vehicles on the Drop Mobility app. Checking out and returning a bike or scooter is seamless with a smartphone, and users can conveniently park vehicles within the service area.