Home Guest Columns Making the Case for Bicycle-Lending Programs—Part Two

Making the Case for Bicycle-Lending Programs—Part Two

2013
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Marrying health and wellness with eco-friendly initiatives in a bicycle-lending program offers a two-prong approach to building loyalty with hotel guests. Ensuring that the progressive way to provide an active and environmentally sound way for travelers to explore diverse destinations meets with success, however, requires a few best practices to consider.

A successful bicycle lending program will consist of (1) appropriate quality product (2) parking alternatives (3) service and maintenance considerations (4) a lending management process (5) global logistic capabilities and if your bicycle program source is really good (6) a money generating and additional loyalty building menu of ideas.

1.    Start with a quality product that will last at least five years. Since the bikes will not be owned by the users, the level of care customarily taken on personal belongs is not necessarily present. Moreover, just as you would not go to a dentist to perform open-heart surgery, choose bicycles designed and manufactured by the experts. Not only will the value of the bicycles be apparent but there are also opportunities for brand customization and logistics streamlining. Finally, work with a company that can expertly suggest and provide several different models of bikes in consideration of the diverse geographic destinations in which hotel inventory can sit. Aside from bicycles, consider the need for bicycle related accessories, a minimum of which includes helmets and locks.

2.    Make certain there is a thoughtful plan for where to house the bicycle fleet.  There are a number of parking solutions depending on space availability, geographic and weather considerations and theft prevention strategies.

3.    Develop a future maintenance and repair plan for the bicycle fleet. Properly maintained quality product can last longer. Locate a partner to handle the yearly maintenance and reminders. In addition, craft a plan for everyday repairs, e.g. flat tires. Is there a location on-site where simple repairs can be accomplished? Is there someone on staff who can get trained to make these repairs?

4.    Fashion a methodology for how these bicycles will be lent and tracked. There are a variety of options ranging from pen and paper log-out sheets to computerized lending management programs. Also, consider through which hotel department the bicycle lending will operate, i.e. is the concierge or front desk in charge, or will the spa have a hand in managing the bicycle fleet? Finally, potential liability needs to be addressed through liability waivers, insurance and other options.

5.    If there is a global, or even national, directive to offer bicycle fleets at a variety of hotel destinations, given the nature of shipping bicycles, appropriate logistics capabilities are essential. The bicycles need to arrive in pristine condition and then built and tested by professional mechanics before the fleet is ready to be delivered to the hotel. All additional accessories, e.g. baskets, water bottle cages or lights, must also be installed on the bikes prior to delivery to the hotel.  Thereafter, transportation from the port of entry and/or assembly location must be arranged. Finally, timely delivery of any parking solutions needs to be coordinated so that the hotel is ready to accept delivery of the fleet.

6.    A bicycle-lending program should be a living breathing amenity. It can act as a money generator, without asking guests to pay, through creative partnerships developed by the bicycle fleet provider. It can also, with the addition of a few inventive ideas, become an additional source of capital to mine for future outreach to these guests in an effort to continue to build loyalty.

A successful bicycle-lending program can build loyalty and be the basis of the green and healthy credentials future guests are seeking when choosing their next stay. All that is needed is a comprehensive thoughtful plan executed across a pipeline, and the ability to continue to adapt with the ever-changing landscape of guest preferences. Grab the allegiance of the future savvy and discerning hotel guest by developing a bike-lending program that is second to none.

Lizzu Castañeda Nasiedlak is one of the principles of Bokoo Outdoor Solutions, a wholly owned certified minority business specializing in outdoor enjoyment. Bokoo Outdoor Solutions not only supplies product, but also has in-house design, logistic and program development specialists who work with clients from inception to final delivery. Bokoo Outdoor Solutions is the exclusive corporate distributor of GIANT bicycles, SURFTECH stand-up paddle boards, WENONAH canoes and kayaks, CONTOUR action cameras, HAMMERHEAD sleds and several best-in-kind cycling accessories.

Click here to read part one of the two-part series on bicycle lending.

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