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Tell us your story
Posted at 8:43AM, 11 September 2008 PDT
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I had a blast at the DNC!
Posted 45 months ago.
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I saw matt modine!!
Posted 45 months ago.
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I was riding along Cherry Creek in Denver, and had just reached Confluence Park when I saw an older couple photographing each other on their Freewheelin bikes. I asked them about their ride, and they mentioned that they had just happened on the bike station at 16th and Platte, and that they had decided to replace their daily morning walk with a ride.
Neither of them had ridden a bike for several years, but they were both having a blast. They were the ideal freewheelers - not avid bikers, but people who had rediscovered the fun of biking.
Posted 45 months ago.
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I loved the view of the Upper Landing Park station through these fountains . . .
Posted 45 months ago.
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I really love Freewheelin. I even made a video!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZqFAQCBGZc
Posted 45 months ago.
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Throughout the entire DNC Freewheelin’ experience, I heard NO negative comments from delegates, from media or from locals who engaged with us. This is an incredible accomplishment for any organization, public or private!
Posted 45 months ago.
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Our riders at 14th and Wynkoop were dedicated! We had a woman who waited for 1.5 hours for her boyfriend to buy her (yes, buy) shoes so that she could take out one of our bikes. Amazing…!
Posted 45 months ago.
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At the 14th & Stout station in Denver it was non-stop action. From about 10:00am to 7:00pm each day we had a constant flow of traffic. There were several faces we saw each day who would stop by to check out a bike for the entire day.
As russ_ziskey stated all comments heard were positive, and when asked, "why Humana?", when you explained it was about getting folks active and healthier they seemed to get it - remove costs from the system benefits us all.
Posted 45 months ago.
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Met a gentlemen from NYC who was a developer working on building the new St. John's University dorms about 1-1/2 miles from the campus. When he saw the freewheelin smart rack station, he stated that this was a great solution for students to get from the dorms to campus classes.
Also, me a city councilman from Queens NYC who asked how to get a freewheelin valet system in Queens for a large cultural event they have each year - he said this program rocks and would work beautifully in his district - he also asked if we have spoken with Mayor Bloomberg yet about putting the system in NYC.
Posted 45 months ago.
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I was station captain at Mounds Park in St. Paul. One morning the temperature got down to low 50's and was extremely windy. Needless to say it was very cool and I was shivering in my shorts and T-shirt. A local resident walked by and saw me turning blue. Unbeknownst to me, she returned home and brought me a sweat shirt and sweat pants to wear to curb my 'frost bite'. She told me this was her gardening outfit and to keep it. My comfort was her concern. Just goes to show there are good people all over and I certainly met several in St. Paul.
Posted 45 months ago.
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I remember our first customer experience at 16th and Platte in Denver. It was barely 7 am, and we were soooo excited to get our very first visitor. It was a woman...probably in her late 20's...she was in shock and bleeding! She wasn't at our station for a bike or to find out about Freewheelin', she came to us because she had fallen off of her own bike and needed help. The irony of it was, she could care less that her elbow was completely scraped and bleeding, or that her wrist appeared broken or that her knee was covered with dirt...no sir, she wanted us to help fix her bike. And after our Bikes Belong rockstar Eric helped her out, and after she got patched up with Maria's Sponge Bob bandaids, she continued on her merry ride.
Posted 45 months ago.
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Funny to see a Matt Modine photo in here. During one of my station breaks, I took a walk to REI and on my way back, I passed a bar and ran into Matt Modine and his crew. They all started chanting "BIKE BIKE BIKE" and pounding their fists on the table when they saw my Freewheelin shirt and hat.
Coolest part was, I also tripped on at least ten of our Freewheelin bikes locked up outside the bar. I hope no drinking and riding went on :)
Posted 45 months ago.
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How Cool Is This?
It's one thing for a cycling freak like me to go on and on about the virtues of "The Noblest Invention." But when Humana's Chief Innovation Officer publicly praises the bicycle as a cure for both our health crisis and our environmental woes ... Whoa! Am I dreaming?
In case you missed it ... here's Jack Lord's letter on the C-J opinion page. It appeared just before the conventions. Man, this got me pumped!
At the end of August, the Freewheelin bike-sharing program will go to Denver for the Democratic national convention. A thousand bikes will be available -- free -- at seven locations downtown among the hotels and restaurants and at the convention center itself. Everyone in Denver -- not just convention delegates -- will be invited to ride.
Then a week later, Freewheelin will move to the Republican national convention in the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Another 1,000 bikes will be available there for transportation, exercise and fun.
People who work in downtown Louisville are probably familiar with Freewheelin. Humana started the program for its employees a year ago, and it's common to see someone in a suit riding a green Freewheelin bike among all the cars on Market or Main.
That bike-sharing project has served as a pilot for what is about to unfold in Denver, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and, eventually, we hope, cities all over America.
Humana's partner in this convention venture is Bikes Belong, the nation's leading bike advocacy group. It's easy to see why Bikes Belong would want to be part of a bike-sharing movement, but why is Humana involved? Because the cost of health care is growing dramatically, and while there are many reasons for that, one of them is health. Abundance is making too many of us in this country unhealthy, and it's making the planet unhealthy as well.
We eat too much; we exercise too little. We drive places that are so close that we really could use our legs to get there instead. We are not as healthy as we should be, and that drives up the cost of health care.
The bike is one cure, but it's also a symbol of how all of us need to rethink some simple behaviors. And if we do, the planet will be healthier, too, since the bike is also a cure for traffic congestion, air pollution and the burning of fuels.
We are all familiar with the statistics. The majority of American adults are either overweight or obese, and young children are becoming obese, too. This is a special problem in Kentucky, where studies consistently rank us among the most obese in the nation. People who are overweight have a much higher risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke and many forms of cancer.
All that disease has a cost, in human misery as well as in the price of health care, health insurance and government health programs like Medicaid and Medicare. We all need to face up to the fact that our personal health is a product of everything we do -- what we eat, how we move about and the environment we live in. Bikes can help on all three counts.
Here are a couple of facts that put the situation in perspective. In the 1990s, the average weight of Americans increased by 10 pounds. A Centers for Disease Control study estimated that airlines burned 350 million more gallons of fuel in 2000 just to carry the additional weight.
All that extra weight had another telling consequence: In January, Disneyland had to close its "It's a Small World" ride to retool it for bigger passengers. Passengers had become too heavy for the mechanisms that were designed in 1963.
Of course, bikes are not the total answer to the problems of our health and the health of our planet. But they could play an important part. After all, studies show that most of the errands we do keep us within two miles of our homes. On all but the coldest and rainiest days, it would make sense to keep the car in the garage and take out a bike.
And there's one more thing we've discovered in this process -- something the Bikes Belong people already knew and that we used to know when we were kids: Riding bikes is fun. No doubt the conventioneers in Denver and the twin cities will experience that, too. And some of them are governors, mayors and members of Congress who really are in a position to change the world.
JONATHAN LORD, M.D.,
Senior vice president and
chief innovation officer
Humana Inc.
Louisville 40202
Originally posted 45 months ago.
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kirkwrites edited this topic 45 months ago.
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From a Friend
the neatest thing about the convention for me was the realness of the military and Secret Service.
Seeing agents at every corner, and the coast guard moving along the Mississippi River brought GI Joe to life.
The best story is how they got the protesters to move that Monday from Shepherd Road: They threatened to run them over with the Minnesota Snow Plows, which isn't a good place to be. I still get a kick out of telling that story.
Be well.
Jason
Jason Lyons
Humana MarketPOINT Representative
Posted 45 months ago.
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Look at this cool post from Humana Today:
A Daily Journal: Republican National Convention
RNC Day 1
It's Labor Day. School hasn't started in Minneapolis yet, so many people are out of town for a final summer holiday. The park where our station's located is pretty quiet. But everyone who stops and asks, "What's going on here?" really supports us. They say, "Wow, that's awesome!" "That's a great idea," "Yes, I'm going to come back and try it," or "Sign me up!"
Our station is a true melting pot. In a single day, we loan bikes to men and women, black, white, Hispanic, Jewish, Polish, German, and Asian, young people, retirees, tourists, locals, delegates and so on.
I'm surprised to find that Minneapolis is a HUGE bicycling city, second only to Portland, Oregon. After all, residents here joke that winter lasts for nine months! So a lot of people already have bikes, especially where I am in a residential area and park. But we're suggesting they lock up their own bike and try one of ours because it might be fun to test-ride a different bike.
RNC Day 2
I start the day at a different station helping with a ride led by Mayor R.T. Rybak. The Minneapolis mayor gives Humana great props. He's an avid cyclist, named "the fittest mayor in America." Then I ride a bike back to my regular station -- about two miles through downtown streets. Since I've been an occasional cyclist in parks and suburban neighborhoods, my heart is in my mouth as cars, buses, and 18-wheelers pass me!
Rain starts mid-morning Tuesday and blows into our station in sheets. We hang up a tarp to protect the laptops we use to register riders. Humana and Bikes Belong are donating $10 for every mile ridden on our bikes to hurricane relief, and that's generating interest, if not bike rides. This effort truly is an unbelievable win for Humana.
One fellow I recruit was sitting on a bench with his own bike. Turns out he's temporarily here from Germany. He came back from his ride pumped, saying "This bike is so much better - the one I have only cost $60." Our bikes would retail for $600.
RNC Day 3
Brrr! After the rain, it's turned chilly, about 55 degrees in the morning. Apparently, the Minneapolis natives weren't kidding about how quickly winter comes.
I walk out into the park just to get my blood circulating. I stop a burly man to ask him if he would like to ride a bike. He says he hasn't been on a bike since he was 13, and would "fall off and break a leg." I ask him where he's from, and it turns out he's a Kentucky delegate. He tells me even though he won't ride a bike, it's great what Humana is doing.
By noon, the temperature rises to a pleasant 70 degrees: great biking weather. A young woman came, as she does each morning, to take a bike to work. My teammate Whitney Kerzinger registered a man who shared his life story, including a recent diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. A young couple rides, and we find out both are consultants to Eon right here in Louisville.
RNC Day 4
It's even cooler today than yesterday, and I'm thankful David Bartley, our station captain, has an extra jacket I can borrow, since I came to Minneapolis thinking it was still summer.
Over at the Convention Center station, Kirk Kandle from Marketing is thrilled by a Minneapolis resident who became a Freewheeler.
Aaron E. hadn't ridden a bike in awhile, but he was inspired enough to set a goal to ride 100 miles during the four days of the RNC. Aaron rode 13 miles the first day, 25 miles the next, 40 miles the day after that, and 32 miles the last day, for a total of 110 miles! And he was so excited about how Freewheelin' made him feel, he brought a friend to ride with him on Thursday.
Final thoughts
Today, we experienced people who had ridden our bikes more than once and were sorry to see us go. In a few short days, we had enriched people's lives, and they had touched ours.
Now an old hand at navigating city streets on a bike, I take a break and ride along the cobblestones of Nicolette Mall with my teammate, Whitney. We find a statue of Mary Tyler Moore, hat in hand, commemorating her TV show that put Minneapolis on the map.
Meeting new Humana colleagues, helping people find the joy of cycling, being outdoors in the heat and the rain, even seeing the sun rise and set in the same day - all while helping showcase the best side of Humana Guidance: I am humbly grateful for the chance to share in Freewheelin' at the RNC.
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Lifelong politico enjoys "a wonderful experience" Freewheelin at DNC
I've always been interested in politics. Before I came to Humana in 2006, I worked in Louisville's local government for more than seven years for Louisville mayors Dave Armstrong and Jerry Abramson. But this year's Democratic National Convention (DNC) was the first I've been part of, and the atmosphere was exactly what I hoped it would be - and then some! Even though the Freewheelin volunteers weren't on the convention floor, we all felt we were part of the city's energy. What a great opportunity to be there at that time!
Representing Freewheelin at the DNC was a wonderful experience as a Humana associate, too. Don't get me wrong: it was a ton of work -- crazy amounts of work - but we all enjoyed a great sense of camaraderie.
One-on-one time with colorful riders an unexpected pleasure
I was stationed at the Art Museum site. We interchanged roles so our duties varied day to day. Registering riders was an intimate experience. We sat down with riders one-on-one to gather their information, and that gave us a chance to socialize and learn where they were from. A good number of riders were in town strictly for the convention, but many Freewheelers were locals who used our bikes to get around their hometown during that hectic week. Some of Denver's streets were closed due to convention traffic.
Convention delegates were wonderfully colorful -- meeting them was the highlight of my week! They were so enthusiastic and patriotic - and each had a one-of-a-kind way of showing it. One Mississippi delegate dropped by our bike station wearing a dress she sewed especially for the convention: The front of the dress was made from a U.S. flag, the back from an "Old Miss" flag. She really got into the spirit.
Luminaries and locals alike shared common interest in cycling
As you would expect in a political environment of this scale, a good number of dignitaries came by all the Freewheelin stations. We drew lawmakers from all over, including state and local politicians from any number of states. I met Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak (in Denver for the DNC) at the registration desk when he came by for a ride. We were chatting along as I did with all the riders during registration. When he handed me his driver's license to check out a bike, I put the name with the face and realized who he was. What a surprise!
I also registered Boston Globe cartoonist Ward Sutton. When I checked him in, I had no idea who he was. He said, "It's great what [Humana's] doing." and then he told me "I gave you all a mention in the Globe." Later that day someone in the station spread the news about the Boston Globe cartoon, and I realized just who I had registered! Freewheelin staff enlarged the cartoon and made signs for every station. The next day I'm sitting there, and Ward comes back. We all got together for a group photo and he autographed our sign. Small world!
Long days and short nights were well worth the effort
Days began early and ended late for all of us, and the schedule became stressful at times. Every morning I woke up around 3:45 a.m. to shower and head downstairs for breakfast. We boarded buses at 5:15 a.m. for a 30-minute ride into Denver. I tried to grab a quick power nap on the ride to the station. Once dropped off at our stations, volunteers worked until 7 or 8 p.m. We ate lunch and dinner onsite and usually got back to the hotel around 9 p.m. I was so tired at the end of the day that rather than going out, I stayed at the hotel because I knew the alarm clock would ring again in a few hours.
Daily access to bike-sharing sparked novice's interest in cycling long term
We all made time to break away from the stations and take a ride now and then. Before I volunteered in Denver, I wasn't a Freewheelin "regular." I'm a runner - usually complete about 20 miles a week - but for the past year I've contemplated buying a bike. Many of my friends are cyclists, and it is an investment. After participating in this project, I've decided I will purchase a bike. Listen, if I can ride through Denver's crazy busy streets - and at times it could be intimidating, especially for a novice - I'm ready to take to the streets back home in Louisville!
It was an unforgettable experience to take an hour, check out a bike, and pedal down to the Pepsi Center to watch the delegates walk into the convention - the parade of humanity, music and booths everywhere - the city was very much alive and I felt a part of it.
FW is "a win-win for Humana - this idea can catch on nationwide"
I'm intrigued to see what happens next with Freewheelin and what role Humana will play. There's a huge potential with this concept. It's a win-win for Humana to help lead this effort, and it's a natural tie into our wellness initiative. My experience in Denver showed me that this idea can catch on nationwide.
I can't tell you the number of folks who stopped by our station and said things like "we think this is great," or "thank you for doing this," people from everywhere.
Freewheelin at the DNC was one of the best things I've been part of since I came to Humana. Yes, I was tired and ready to come home at week's end. The work was hard, but it gave me a great sense of accomplishment.
Where will Freewheelin roll next?
For a "good idea" like Freewheelin, it's hard to think of a better fit than a partnership with an annual event devoted to "innovation, imagination, and cutting edge ideas." That's why Freewheelin's rolling into Louisville, Ky., this week for the 2008 IdeaFestival®.
The next big idea
Founded in 2000, the IdeaFestival (IF) attracts leading international thinkers to promote breakthrough thinking. The event makes use of many venues to explore important ideas in science, the arts, design, business, film, technology, and education.
Humana will make 250 bicycles available - free of charge - to visitors and Louisville-area residents during the Sept. 24-27 Idea Festival in downtown Louisville. Read the full news release.
"We're delighted to offer the Freewheelin experience to everyone participating in the Idea Festival this week," said Kris Kimel, Idea Festival founder. "It fits perfectly with our mission to celebrate innovation, and it gives everyone at the festival a great way to experience Louisville."
Humana's David Jones Jr. challenges IdeaFesters
"I think the people of Louisville - and our guests arriving for the Idea Festival - will have a lot of fun on the Freewheelin bicycles this week," said David A. Jones, Jr., Humana's chairman. "And that's what the Freewheelin program is all about - getting some good exercise, helping to protect our environment by riding a bike instead of driving, and just having fun."
Jones challenged riders to take at least 1,000 rides and pedal at least 3,000 miles this week. Find out more about Freewheelin at Ideafest or stay up to date on all of Freewheelin's future adventures at www.freewheelinwaytogo.com.
Posted 44 months ago.
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We all had fun with the webcam. After our first day at the RNC, I emailed all my kids teachers and told them about what I was doing and how to log in to view the cam. My hope in it was that the teachers would pull the kids aside during recess and let them log in. I told them to call me before they logged in so I could be sure to be in front of the camera.
The next day, I received a call from my son's kindergarten teacher letting me know that in 10 minutes they would log in, but that it wouldn't be just my children, but all 3 of their elementary classes were getting together to watch at the same time.
My awesome teammates were there to say hi, and one very excited member threw together a quick safety demonstration for the kids. They loved it. The next day, the kids all got on again, with their entire classes again. This time, the excited teammate and one of our volunteers gave proper helmet use demonstrations! Again, the kids loved it and we all had a blast.
Here it is weeks later, and I have been trying to figure out what story I was going to post on here. I went to my son's field trip this week and during lunch became uncomfortably aware that a couple of the kids were staring at me, as were their mothers. Finally one child danced up to me saying "I saw you on TV!!", his mother followed behind asking if I was the one that did the bike thing on TV. Not feeling the need to correct her that it was just a webcam, I confirmed. She then thanked me explaining that her son would frequently take off his helmet when riding his bike, but now doesn't and is the family expert on how to wear one correctly!!
Thanks for the safety demonstration Kirk!
Posted 44 months ago.
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Amazing feedback from Freewheelin riders. Here are just a few ...
After IdeaFest, I got an e-mail from Risa and Steve in New York. They wrote: "Thanks for your enthusiastic, welcoming bike experience in Louisville. Please say 'hi' to Marge who I didn't get to see again. This was the highlight of my trip!" -- Risa and Steve
I sent a group ride photo to Professor Hoyt at a university in Illinois. He wrote back: "Thanks for the reminder of the wonderful experience I had in Louisville. It comforts me to know what you Freewheelers do when I realize Humana has taken over administering our health insurance!"
Lola wrote to say: "Thanks for a great tour! I had a wonderful time."
Originally posted 44 months ago.
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kirkwrites edited this topic 44 months ago.
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