Major sponsorship announcement will bolster Divvy’s success

For release: May 1, 2014

Contact:
Ted Villaire
Communications Director
Active Transportation Alliance
312.427.3325 x288
312.563.1118 mobile
ted@activetrans.org

Major sponsorship announcement will bolster Divvy’s success
Support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is one more sign that bike sharing has come of age in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois — Chicago’s new bike-sharing system is poised to see even greater success thanks to a $12.5 million sponsorship arrangement with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

“It’s a fantastic fit for Divvy,” said Ron Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance. “This sponsorship deal ensures Divvy will have even more of a positive impact in the way people get around Chicago.”

By the end of this year, Divvy plans to increase the number of docking stations in the city from 300 to 475. Chicago will then have the highest number of bike share stations in the nation.

The sponsorship deal will last over a five year period. The city plans to use the $2.5 million in annual funds from the partnership to expand the Divvy system and enhance bicycling in Chicago. The funds will be used for securing equipment to sweep and plow bike lanes; more bike lane materials like bollards, signage and striping; and more bike ambassadors on the streets to educate people about bike safety.

“Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ support will benefit Divvy riders as well as anyone who rides a bike in Chicago,” said Burke. “It’s an excellent sponsorship fit because it emphasizes the connection between biking for transportation and better public health.”

Less than one year after its launch, Divvy’s success has exceeded most people’s expectations. Last week, Divvy announced that the bikes have been taken on one million trips totaling 2.5 million miles.

Active Trans has been an ardent supporter of launching and expanding bike sharing in Chicago. Currently, Active Trans members receive a $10 discount on annual Divvy memberships.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. Formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is supported by more than 7,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 full-time staff. For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.