As bikes rotate out of customer programs, Zagster extends their utility through partnerships with local YMCA’s to give the gift of transportation to area youth
PHILADELPHIA, Penn. (December 1, 2015) Zagster and the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA have partnered to expand access to comfortable, city-friendly cruiser bikes as the YMCA receives a donation of 59 bikes that are being phased out from Zagster’s bike share program. The bikes, which have been fully refurbished and checked for safety and comfort, will be used by teen members at local YMCAs, with the goal to improve health and wellness as well as provide transportation. This is the continuation of a nationwide donation partnership between Zagster and the YMCA, which began earlier this year with a donation to the YMCA of Greater Boston.
Of the 59 bikes being donated, 20 will go to Camp Speers, which provides programs for kids from 7-17 years old to develop healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. Bikes will also be given to inner-city locations for their teen members. The remaining bikes will be split between Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA’s biggest branches, for members to use on the beautiful trails around the YMCA.
Delegates from the offices of Pennsylvania State Representatives Tom Quigly and Madeleine Dean along with delegates from ASI, Zagster’s bicycle manufacturing partner, joined members of Zagster and the YMCA at a press conference today at the Y’s Spring Valley branch to celebrate and announce the second dontation in a national partnership that will see Zagster deliver thousands of bikes to YMCAs across the country.
The bikes, just three years old, are being phased out of service as the result of Zagster expanding its programs. With each new contract and contract renewal, Zagster delivers brand new bikes to its sharing programs. As Zagster reaches the end of its first set of contracts over the next 12 months, hundreds of bikes are scheduled to become available for donation to YMCAs.
“Zagster was founded in Philadelphia, so it’s particularly meaningful for us to give back to the community here,” said Tim Ericson, co-founder and CEO of Zagster. “These bikes have played an important role in communities across the country during the past several years and we’re so happy to see them continue to have an impact on the community right here in Philadelphia.”
“Our goal is to nurture the potential of children and teens and improve health and well-being. Providing bikes for adult and teenage members can be the simple change that leads to a better lifestyle,” said Jon Agnew, COO of the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA. “Any way we can encourage our young members to get out, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors is a step forward for us.”
Founded in Philadelphia in 2007 and now headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Zagster is the leading provider of bike sharing systems across the United States. Zagster is uniquely focused on working with communities across North America to make bike sharing programs available to residents, employees, students and visitors.
A unique and highly efficient model allows Zagster to offer services in areas that traditional metropolitan bike sharing system providers can't reach. More information about Zagster’s programs and impact is available at www.zagster.com.
About the YMCA
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.
Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. For more information about the Y, visit www.ymca.net.
Zagster John Williams, Scoville PR for Zagster 206-625-0075, email@example.com