Happening now: SLC Bike share announces sponsors (Rio Tinto, SelectHealth...) and official start date

SLC Bike Share (Downtown Alliance) has just announced that Rio Tinto, SelectHealth, and Salt Lake City will be the title sponsors for the new bike share program, which will include more than 100 bikes and ten stations in its initial phase, which is slated to begin early next year (March 2013).


Sponsors' and representatives' statements:

Mayor Ralph Becker made the official announcement just minutes into the press conference:

"I'm pleased to announce Bike Share is coming to Salt Lake City, with a minimum of 100 bikes at 10 stations throughout downtown. SLC Bike Share's official start date will be March 2013. Bike Share represents another great transit option for Salt Lake City residents and visitors and one that has a fabulous, and green, fun factor," said Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker. "As our central business district continues to grow and prosper, this really provides an efficient and cost-effective short-trip option that is accessible to all riders, regardless of skill level."

Mayor Becker stands at the west steps of the City County Building to announce
next year's SLC Bike Share program.
(Photo: Downtown Alliance)

Ben Bolte (on left, in suit) holds the SLC Bike Share posted as Mayor Becker (suit, right)
gives the opening remarks at today's Bike Share press conference.
(Photo: Annette Bowman)

Title sponsor SelectHealth's President and CEO Patricia Richards states,

"This is really about communities coming together to keep people healthy." SelectHealth's title sponsorship is reminiscent of Minneapolis' Nice Ride title sponsor, BlueCross/Blue Shield. "SelectHealth is committed to improving the health of our members and the communities we serve," says Richards. "We’re proud to be part of a program that supports healthy activities and makes exercise fun. Small changes can add up to big benefits in terms of personal health and fitness, as well as improving the environment for everyone. Bike Share makes it easy to hop on a bike rather than drive."

Others at the press conference tentatively announced that SLC Bike Share is anticipating a 9 month run each year, from March through November. The bikes and stations will be stored inside and out of inclement weather during the winter months, which is how Minneapolis' Nice Ride handles their vast and very popular bike share system.

Ben Bolte (left of the two) announces along with Mayor Becker and CEOs that
Rio Tinto, SelectHealth, and Salt Lake City will be SLC Bike Share's title sponsors.
(Photo: Downtown Alliance)

"We've been taking steps within our fences to reduce emissions. SLC Bike Share is an initiative in the community," said the Rio Tinto representative.

Rio Tinto has recently begun a billboard campaign highlighting the billions of dollars they spend on reducing their impact on the environment. Do you think their major sponsorship of the SLC Bike Share program is another step in the right direction?

Sanders continued, "We are proud to sponsor the SLC Bike Share program because it aligns with our commitment to sustainable development. Cleaning-up air quality in the Salt Lake Valley is important. The SLC Bike share program is an opportunity for us to partner with the community to improve air quality."

Ben Bolte, SLC Bike Share program directory, discusses the new project with Fox 13 News
in fron of the custom SLC Bike Share B-Cycle stations.
(Photo: Bill Krause)

Program details:

From the GreenBikeSLC.org site, the Downtown Alliance has released this preliminary photo of the SLC Bike Share bike design, with title sponsor SelectHealth featured on the rear wheel skirt guard, and Rio Tinto on the side of each basket.

Conceptual design of SLC Bike Share's Greenbike,
with Rio Tinto and SelectHealth as main sponsors.
(Photo: GreenBikeSLC.org)

(From SLC Bike Share's website):

Salt Lake City’s Redevelopment Agency is expected to vote on June 19 for the last additional funding required to launch the program in March. SLC’s custom bikes and stations will be ordered in August with a six month turnaround time for delivery.

An up close shot of the B-Cycle bike from Denver's Bike Share program.
Humana Healthcare, seen on the chainguard, is one of their sponsors.
(Photo: Kris Lander)

Title Sponsor:
SelectHealth (IHC)


Major Sponsors:
Rio Tinto / Kennecott Utah Copper


Sponsors:
Backcountry.com
Fidelity Investment
Visit Salt Lake


Helmet sponsors:
LDS Hospital


I will be updating this story as details roll in.

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