About Us
The Boone Bicycle Initiative is a community‐based organization dedicated to the increased use of bicycles for commuting in and around Boone, by addressing safety and awareness while distributing bikes at little or no cost to members of the community. In doing so we hope to create positive social, environmental, and economic change.
The Boone Bicycle Initiative (BBI) got its start when a small group of students from Appalachian State University wrote a grant proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency. These start‐up funds, combined with outstanding support from the Town, University, and Local Community have helped get the program where it is today.
The Goals
The Town of Boone has a lot of potential to increase the number of commuting cyclists. The end goals are a reduced dependence on fossil fuels, better air quality, reduced congestion and a healthier and more active community. BBI has identified two main obstacles in achieving this:
∙ Availability of Quality Bicycles
BBI distributes bicycles to members of the community (students and residents alike) on one of two refundable deposit systems. All bicycles come with a lock and a helmet.
∙ Safety For Everyone
Putting more bikes on the road means increasing safety. In conjunction with our distribution systems, Boone Bicycle Initiative is committed to improve safety through education and awareness campaigns, including community events and workshops in our shop.
As a result of our efforts, we will be able to reduce the area’s dependence on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and decrease traffic congestion and parking problems. We believe that the bicycle is a powerful tool for creating positive social, environmental and economic change.
Bicycle Distribution
The bicycle rental program works on two basic systems, depending on needs, riding habits, and bicycle availability.Cash Deposit System
This is the 2 month, $50 refundable cash deposit on a refurbished bike. This is meant to cover BBI’s investment in the bike, including a helmet, lock, and any parts needed. At any time during the deposit period, BBI will take care of adjustments and a limited number of larger repairs (within reason). The loan term is renewable without forfeit of the deposit.
Credit Card Deposit System
The credit card system will apply strictly to the new commuter bikes that we have purchased. They must be brought in every two weeks for a check-up, but may be checked out again. These bicycles will also come with a lock and a helmet, and failure to return these and the bike will result in paying full retail price.
Research Ideas
As a part of the EPA grant, and just because we’re curious, odometers have been installed onto both the refurbished and new commuter bikes so that we can gather some quantitative data that will give an idea of the actual impact of the program. This is a community experiment that we believe can really work. Along with the odometers, your ideas and input will be extremely valuable in developing this program. purchased. They must be brought in every two weeks for a check-up, but may be checked out again. These bicycles will also come with a lock and a helmet, and failure to return these and the bike will result in paying full retail price.
Please contact us with any questions, comments and/or ideas! There are numerous opportunities to be involved and help out with this exciting initiative. Feel free to cruise around our website and check back often for updates, events and more information about the Boone Bicycle Initiative.