Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Launches Free Bike-Sharing Program for 3,500 Employees in Eagan and Virginia

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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

May 20, 2011, 03:46 ET

BlueCycle is largest "bikes-at-work" program in Minnesota

EAGAN, Minn., May 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This spring there will be "suits" riding bikes at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) when it launches BlueCycle – a free bike-sharing program for employees. With locations at the Blue Cross offices in Eagan and Virginia, Minn., BlueCycle is the largest private bike-at-work program in the state. BlueCycle features 20 bicycles outfitted with adjustable padded seats, front baskets, and "cyclo-computers" that track mileage. The "cruiser-style" bikes were designed specifically for people wearing business attire — including skirts and dress shoes — and carrying work supplies, such as laptops and bags.

Blue Cross' President and CEO, Pat Geraghty took the introductory BlueCycle ride as he led a group of employees on a test drive of the bikes at work program.

Blue Cross employees simply register to receive a PIN (personal identification number) that provides access to any available BlueCycle bike (and a helmet) locked at a BlueCycle rack. The bicycles can be used for travelling between Blue Cross buildings or for running short errands during working hours, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The BlueCycle program was inspired by Blue Cross' inaugural sponsorship of the Nice Ride Minnesota public bike sharing program in 2010. Following the success of Nice Ride's first year in Minneapolis, Blue Cross employees suggested having bikes available at work as well.

"The BlueCycle program is part of Blue Cross' commitment to help make the healthy choice the easy choice for our employees," says Colleen Connors, senior vice president of human resources and facilities services. "Giving people the option to get some exercise during the work day makes sense—it's an extension of our do® Campaign— to move more and eat better."

The program will run to October 31, with an estimated ride total of 3,500.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in the St. Paul suburb of Eagan, was chartered in 1933 as Minnesota's first health plan and continues to carry out its charter mission today as a health company: to promote a wider, more economical and timely availability of health services for the people of Minnesota. Blue Cross is a not-for-profit, taxable organization. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquartered in Chicago. Go to bluecrossmn.com to learn more about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota