Humana selects QI Systems’ CycleStation for employee bike-riding
06 September, 2007
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Health care provider Humana has purchased an unattended, card-controlled bicycle system from QI Systems for use in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, site of the company’s corporate headquarters. Called CycleStation, it secures bikes, mopeds and motor scooters with a unique locking mechanism that verifies vehicle location, checks the unit in and out, and bills for usage.
QI CycleStation(TM) in front of Humana’s offices in downtown Louisville
DALLAS, TX and RICHMOND, BC–QI Systems Inc., a leading developer and integrator of contact and contactless card payment, access control and tracking solutions, today announced that Humana Inc., one of the nation’s most prominent health benefits providers, has purchased QI’s CycleStation™ unattended, card-controlled bicycle distribution system for use in downtown Louisville, KY, the site of Humana’s corporate complex.
In an article appearing in yesterday’s Louisville Courier-Journal, Humana confirmed that in the first days of operation over 300 of its employees have already checked out bikes and enjoy using the new QI Systems’ CycleStation called Freewheelin’ by Humana. Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson is quoted as saying: “We’ll be challenging other businesses to start their own programs, and Freewheelin’ could be an umbrella for the whole city over time.” The mayor would like to see the bike system expanded throughout the downtown area and into city parks and offered to all city residents. He is scheduling meetings with corporate and civic leaders to promote the concept and discuss expansion of the Freewheelin’ cycle program.
“Humana is leading by example in promoting environmental conservation, sustainability, and health by encouraging our associates to increase their physical activity and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Grant Harrison, vice president of Humana’s Integrated Consumer Experience.
This marks the second time in recent months that QI Systems’ innovative eco-friendly CycleStation has been selected by a civic-minded corporation as a method of promoting exercise and healthy lifestyle choices. Previously, the Saint Francis Hospital System of Tulsa, OK, installed a multi-kiosk system providing free bike use in city parks. Unlike the St. Francis system that utilizes credit card identification to authorize use, Humana’s CycleStation will be accessed by employee ID cards. Humana is providing 60 bikes for free use at its Louisville corporate campus and will be evaluating the initial installation while considering future purchases.
CycleStation secures bikes, mopeds and motor scooters with a unique locking mechanism that verifies vehicle location, checks the unit in and out, and bills for usage. The unattended system can be solar powered or hard wired for AC and comes in a variety of rack configurations.
QI Systems’ Chief Executive Office Steven R. Garman commented, “Given America’s high degree of interest in finding healthy lifestyle alternatives and the global concern about developing ‘green’ solutions for environmental pollution issues, we are not surprised that QI has already had inquires from around the globe about our new eco-friendly QI CycleStation. We are delighted to be working with major corporations like Humana that are on the leading edge of civic responsibility.”
About QI Systems
QI Systems Inc. develops and markets innovative chip-based card payment and tracking solutions for a number of industries as well as national, state and local government agencies. QI’s products and core competencies include smart-card and stored-value systems, security protocols, data communication software design and hardware manufacture. For more information about QI Systems Inc., visit www.qisystemsinc.com.
About Humana
Humana Inc. is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded health benefits companies, with approximately 11.3 million medical members. Humana offers a diversified portfolio of health insurance products and related services to employer groups, government-sponsored plans, and individuals. Over its 46-year history, Humana has consistently been a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio. For more information about Humana Inc., visit www.humana.com.