What We Offer

We offer consulting services and ready-to-use software for individuals and organizations interested in establishing bicycle libraries. Our specialty currently rests in serving the unique environment of university campuses but our expertise and software can also be utilized by recreation centers, municipalities, and businesses seeking to establish an innovative transportation solution.

Consulting

Our consulting services are based on eight years of combined experience in building a highly-successful bicycle lending library from the ground up. Our mission is to empower our clients with our tools and knowledge so they can build on this success. We offer the following services to help you meet your goals in a timely manner and at minimum cost:

Evaluating the cycling needs of your community. Every community presents a unique cycling environment, technically and culturally. It's important to design your program with these factors in mind. We can assist you in tuning your program to match the characteristics of your user group and the realities of your local transportation infrastructure.
Equipment selection and purchasing. Equipment forms the basis of the relationship between a program and its users and therefore must meet the highest standards. Poorly chosen equipment is a constant drain on energy and resources and will quickly smear a program with a bad reputation. Nothing can beat the performance and reliability of correctly chosen new equipment. We can set you up correctly right down to the last bolt.
Creating maintenance plans. The heavy usage of fleet bikes requires a strong maintenance plan to keep them in running order. We can help you locate a maintenance provider and establish a mutually beneficial relationship.
Budgeting your program. Budgets can be a headache, but they can also be opportunities for creative collaborations. We can assist with developing a comprehensive budget and finding financial support where you might not have thought to look.
Staff training strategies. Most programs rely on a staff or team of people to conduct day-to-day operations. Because these people are the critical gateway between borrowers and equipment, they are both the face and the heart of a well-run program. We offer strategies for effective training and communication systems that make their jobs easier and ensure their investment in the success of your program.
Tracking equipment. Tracking equipment is the most fundamental need of any program. Our web-based software system (available late Summer 2008) streamlines and automates the majority of the process. However, there are still elements such as waiver forms and pursuing missing equipment that require strategy. We can get you started on the right foot so that nothing goes missing.
Theft deterrence and equipment handling. Bicycles need to be secure and well cared for in order to maximize their use life. We can offer advice on storage locations, shelter options, and security technology.
Evaluating your program. Our software system (available late Summer 2008) provides an array of powerful data analysis tools. We also offer well-developed systems for evaluating user experience and annual budgets.
Expanding existing programs and adding features. If you're looking to expand an existing program we can help you open additional lending locations that are controlled within a single tracking system, develop a more diversified equipment inventory, establish programs that broaden your user base, and utilize your bikes in novel ways.

Software (available late Summer 2008)

Our software system was developed specifically for the reliable and efficient administration of bicycle lending programs. It has been perfected through daily use over the past three years at the University of Rochester where it has directly facilitated the growth of their successful lending program. Its features include:

Equipment tracking for bicycles and accessories. Our software allows bikes to be checked in and out with a few clicks of the mouse and maintains histories on all equipment and users.
Automatic late fee assessments and user notifications for overdue loans. Getting your equipment back is easy when the software does all the work for you. Users are automatically emailed when equipment is overdue. A built-in accounting system handles fees for late returns and damanges.
Easy program evaluation. Our software collects and organizes an immense amount of data over the course of a season. Analyzing usage statistics and equipment performance is made easy by our graphical tools.
A simple, intuitive design that minimizes maintenance and training costs. Our software was originally designed for a college athletic center staff with a high turnover rate. An intuitive, easy-to-use interface is at the heart of its design.
Highly scalable design. Administer small or large programs with equal ease. The software will grow right along with your program. Programs that offer multiple lending locations are seamlessly supported.