Neighborhoods across the city to benefit from new low-cost transportation and recreation option
“It is rare that a City opens a new mass transportation system. The launch of Indego bike share means it is more affordable and convenient to get around, stay healthy and experience our wonderful City,” said Mayor Nutter. “I am proud that Philadelphia is the first large city with a bike share system in North America to offer: a 30-day membership that will renew automatically and can be cancelled at any time; a pay-as-you-ride membership, in which you pay only for the rides you take; membership options that include 60 minutes of ride time before users incur additional fees; and a cash payment option for 30-day memberships.”
The Indego system operates 24 hours a day, year round at 70 locations in neighborhoods from Point Breeze, Passyunk and Center City to Yorktown, Olde Kensington, Francisville and Spruce Hill. Bike share users can access bikes at any station by using member cards or credit/debit cards and return them to any other station.
“Independence Blue Cross has been providing quality, affordable health coverage for our community for nearly 80 years, but that’s only one part of our commitment to keeping people well,” said Independence President and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty. “It’s also important to offer convenient, affordable, fun options, like Indego, that encourage healthy lifestyles and provide a spectacular way to enjoy this great city we call home. We’re looking forward to watching Indego grow!”
Independence Blue Cross joins Mayor Nutter and hundreds of volunteers for the official launch of Indego.
Alison Cohen, CEO of Philadelphia-based Bicycle Transit Systems, said, “Indego is a bike share created and operated by Philadelphians for Philadelphians. Bike Transit is proud to call Philadelphia home and thrilled to be creating dozens of living wage jobs in North Philadelphia.”
Bob Burns, President of Bcycle, said, “I am thrilled that BCycle can be part of this City’s new bike share program. Philly is perfect for bike share, and I am very impressed by how well the City has prepared for this awesome new transportation option.”
Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown said, “I am thrilled to see the Indego bike share system have its launch day, particularly for the impact it will have on young people. I am proud to have first convened hearings on the potential of bike share in 2008 and pushed every year to see this day come. It is my hope that bike sharing inspires a whole new generation of bicycle enthusiasts across our City.”
Councilman Kenyatta Johnson said, “The Indego bike share system is going to make a positive impact in the Second Councilmatic district. From Point Breeze to Graduate Hospital residents are excited about the opportunity to easily and affordably explore Philadelphia, while enjoying the health benefits of bicycling.”
Councilman Mark Squilla said, “I am excited about the launch of the Indego bike share system in Philadelphia. I believe the locations in the First Council district will be well used by residents and tourists alike. I plan to work with the administration and community members in South Philadelphia, Center City, Northern Liberties, Port Richmond, Kensington and Fishtown to further expand the system.”
City Council President Darrell Clarke said, “With robust outreach, Indego could be an invaluable bridge for Philadelphians in need of affordable and hassle-free commuting options. Safe and respectful riders will inspire tourists to experience our beautiful city by bicycle, and will also give the City information we need to respond to street defects and other public safety hazards faster and more frequently. I look forward to a successful launch and expansion of Indego to neighborhoods in need of more transportation options.”
Affordable membership options
Memberships are available from www.rideindego.com. System members will receive a key that allows them to access a bike at any Indego station. Indego30 is a 30-day membership plan that provides members unlimited one-hour rides. It is priced at just $15 per month and is available with credit card, debit card, and cash payment options. For credit card customers, the membership will renew automatically and can be cancelled at any time. Cash payments will be facilitated by PayNearMe, an electronic cash payment system that allows consumers to make cash payments at local stores. After signing up for membership via the Indego website, PayNearMe will send each consumer a bar code by text message or email. Consumers then take that bar code to participating 7-Eleven or Family Dollar stores and pay for the Indego membership in cash.
All Indego members will get 10 percent off bicycle helmets at select bike shops and athletic stores around Philadelphia.
Membership discounts for Independence Blue Cross Members and Dollar Days for everyone
As the official sponsor of Indego bike share, Independence Blue Cross supports the health and wellness of all Philadelphians by encouraging everyone to integrate physical activity into our daily lives. Through September 30, 2015, Independence Blue Cross members can enjoy their first 30 days of an Indego30 membership for just $5. Additionally, on twelve Independence Dollar Days throughout the year, beginning May 15, 2015 in honor of Bike to Work Day, everyone can try Indego for just $1 for the first half hour.
More about bikes, stations and staying in the know
All Indego bikes will be equipped with a bell and front and rear lights. Each bike will also be inscribed with a safety message that encourages helmet use and cautions riders to yield to pedestrians, avoid riding on sidewalks, ride with traffic, and obey all traffic lights and signs.
Over the past eight months, officials from the City of Philadelphia have conducted public outreach, attended community meetings and invited Philadelphians to vote on station locations online, via text-message and through paper surveys. More than 5,600 Philadelphians provided nearly 11,000 comments on station locations. The City has placed stations where they will be useful, convenient and compatible with the surrounding environment.
For more information on Indego, the station locations, and updates on the program, including membership registration and docking station map, visit Philadelphia’s bike share program website: www.RideIndego.com.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 10 million people in 25 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For nearly 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Media contact
Kathleen Conlon
215-241-4576 (office)
Kathleen.Conlon@ibx.com