Frequently asked questions about the Green Bike Project

  1. What is involved in the GBP pledge?
  2. What happens when I fulfill my pledge?
  3. What kind of bike is it?
  4. What if I already own a bike?
  5. Will the GBP provide participants with helmets?
  6. I currently drive alone to the train station and then ride the train for the longest portion of my commute trip. Am I eligible?
  7. Can I use the bike for errands or recreation?
  8. What information will you need from me if I participate in the GBP?
  9. What happens if I leave my current employer?
  10. Where will I pick up the bike?
  11. What if I cannot attend the training session for which I registered?
  12. What do I need to bring to the bike safety training session?
  13. When does the bike actually become mine?
  14. May I customize the bike or add gear?
  15. What if the bike I receive doesn't really fit me?
  16. Am I liable if the bike gets stolen?
  17. Are there any age restrictions?
  18. I need to be out of town for work, how should I indicate my commute trips?
  19. I'm leaving town on vacation and won't be able to log my trips for a while, will this affect my pledge?
What is involved in the GBP pledge?
The GBP pledge is to reduce 50% of your total commute trips May and July 2010. There are also requirements to complete a bicycle safety training course, wear a helmet while riding and to track your commutes online).
What happens when I fulfill my pledge?
When a GBP participant fulfills their pledge they will earn sole ownership of the green bike.
What kind of bike is it?
The bike is a specially branded REI Novara Transfer, which has won Bicycling Magazine's Editor Choice Award for best commuter bike for the second year in a row. The bike fully outfitted for commuting with a rack, fenders, lights, and a kickstand, for a smooth commute no matter the time of day, weather or road surface. For complete bike specifications, go to http://www.rei.com/product/744802 then scroll down past the photo of the red Novara Transfer and click on the "specs" tab.
What if I already own a bike?
If you already own a bike, but you do not ride it to work (and driving alone is your main means of commuting), you are still eligible to earn a Green Bike. However, if you want to ride your won bike to work, we encourage you to participate in the Commute Challange in May instead.
Will the GBP provide participants with helmets?
No, the GBP will not provide helmets as there are countless styles, brands, vendors from which to choose and a wide range of prices. Participants are required to wear a Consumer Product Safety Commission certified helmet while riding in the Green Bike Project. Participants need to bring their helmet to the bike commute safety training session. Helmets will also be available for sale at the safety training for $10.
I currently drive alone to the train station and then ride the train for the longest portion of my commute trip. Am I eligible?
Cascade is considering ways to incorporate participants whose commute mode involves both bikes and light rail or bus. Stay tuned for more information regarding multiple-mode transit!
Can I use the bike for errands or recreation?
Absolutely! The more you use the bike the better rider you will be. However, the only trips that we count towards your pledge are commute trips.
What information will you need from me if I participate in the GBP?
We will need your name, your employer name, address and a contact phone number and email address. We will also need your gender, height and pant inseam (for purposes of fitting the bike). We don't need your social security number, any financial information or date of birth. Participants will also be required to record commute trips on an online calendar.
What happens if I leave my current employer?
If you leave your current employer before fulfilling your GBP pledge (either quit or get laid off), you must return the bike to your Employee Transportation Coordinator or GBP coordinator. If you leave after fulfilling your pledge, the bike is yours and we hope you continue commuting by bike in your new position!
Where will I pick up the bike?
Bicycle safety training will be provided - and is required - for all participants. Your bike will be assigned and fit to you at the class. You should have a plan to transport the bike home with you after class.
What if I cannot attend the training session on May 1?
Please let your Employee Transportation Coordinator or GBP liaison know as soon as possible. Participants who are unable to attend the launch event may be able to pick up their Green Bike at Cascade Bicycle Club later in May.
What do I need to bring to the bike safety training session?
Everyone needs to bring their bicycle helmet and clothes that are comfortable to ride in. You also need to have a means to get your bike home from the training session.
When does the bike actually become mine?
If you fulfill your pledge, the bike becomes your sole property at the end of the program in July 2010. Please stay tuned for more specific dates.
May I customize the bike or add gear?
You may not substantially change the bike or alter its appearance during the project. You may add gear that is temporary and can be removed from the bike if you need to return it to the project. Remember, the bike is not your property until you fulfill your pledge. When you fulfill your pledge and the bike becomes your property, you may make any changes or alterations you wish to make to the bike, but we cannot guarantee this.
What if the bike I receive doesn't really fit me?
Please let your instructor know (at the training session) that your bike doesn't feel like it fits. There are many adjustments that can be made to make the bike fit you better. However, due to the limited number of available bicycles we cannot guarantee a perfect fit for every participant.
Am I liable if the bike gets stolen?
If the bike is stolen, you must file a police report and report it to your Employee Transportation Coordinator. You will not be financially liable for the bike, however we will be unable to replace the bike. Therefore, theft of your Green Bike will terminate your participation in the program. We strongly recommend investing in a bike lock; u-locks will be available for participants to purchase at cost.
Are there any age restrictions?
The only age restriction is that all GBP participants must be 18 years of age or older.
I need to be out of town for work, how should I indicate my commute trips?
You should indicate them as "day off" even if you were working out of town, because you were unable to commute by bike.
I'm leaving town on vacation and won't be able to log my trips for a while, will this affect my pledge?
You should indicate your vacation days as "day off" so they will not count in your total of commutes made. You may login and enter or edit commutes made for the 3 previous weeks. If your vacation is more than 3 weeks in length, you should login once or twice while you are gone and enter your days off.

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