Bike Benefit System: Cycling makes happy and rewards with Finneros
Be rewarded for cycling? That sounds tempting, right? May 2016 sees the launch of the first test phase of Bike Benefit System in Vienna, Graz and Bremen - supported by the Integrated Applications Promotion programme of the European Space Agency (ESA). The participants can cycle their way to great coupons and discounts from local businesses. With this project, Bike Citizens hopes to create incentives to help motivate more people to cycle in the city.
We all know it: those who undertake daily activities, are healthier. Fact is, just 15 minutes of movement per day can extend our life expectancy by about three years! Riding your daily routes by bike is not just a benefit to your health. Compared to a car you save around 0.2 kg of CO2 emissions per kilometre. Aside from space shortages, a parking space costs cities and companies 30 times more than a bicycle parking space. This savings potential, coupled with the positive effects on health and the environment, show how more cycle traffic makes a city more liveable. With the Bike Benefit System to be tested in a feasibility study by ESA Integrated Applications Promotion programme, Bike Citizens create additional incentives for active mobility in urban living spaces.
How does the Bike Benefit System work?
The idea of the Bike Benefit System is as simple, as it is brilliant. How do you get more people to travel by bicycle and also further motivate those who already travel by bicycle to continue doing so for their daily transportation? It’s quite simple: You reward them. The Bike Citizens App serves as the technical foundation. Registered cyclists who cycle with the App can accumulate so-called Finneros, a fictitious currency. If the user of the App, for example, goes on 8 rides in 4 days, then the user receives 1 Finnero. If the user makes 15 trips in 6 days, then a further Finnero is added to his or her “account”. In addition to the Finneros, cyclists also receive achievements that are awarded for special performances or a great deal of commitment. The exciting thing is that with these achievements, the weather, time of day or kilometres cycled all play a role. Finally, we want to especially reward those people who cycle all year round through rain and snow for their commitment. The user receives 1 Finnero per achievement.
With Finneros, you get a realistic exchange value for cycled kilometres
Upon presentation of a smartphone, the collected Finneros can then be redeemed at participating partners (see list). These partners include numerous cafés, restaurants and even bicycle shops. So, for example, participants can receive a free slice of cake with their coffee, a discounted bike service, various vouchers, discounts and much more. Last but not least, there are even specials awaiting users of the Bike Citizens App which reward tasks performed in a particular theme. For those who don’t want to redeem well-earned Finneros themselves and do something good, there is the option to donate the Finneros to charity.
Why not only cyclists benefit from the Bike Benefit System
The Bike Benefit System has many advantages for both, cyclists as well as companies who offer the benefits. This means cyclists can discover new companies in their town, take advantage of new products and be rewarded for cycling. Companies in turn also benefit from the Bike Benefit System by winning new customers, activating existing customers and increasing their brand awareness and image. Sounds good, right?
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