Humana’s Innovative Freewheelin Bike-Sharing Program Nets 1,179 Rides and 5,659 Miles During First Week of the Games

As the first week of the National Senior Games in Palo Alto winds down, Humana’s (NYSE: HUM) Freewheelin bike-sharing program is shifting into an even speedier gear, with athletes, spectators, and Stanford University students and faculty of all ages checking out bicycles to enjoy the amazing California weather while getting some exercise and having some fun. The innovative bike-sharing program from Humana recorded 1,179 rides, 5,659 miles ridden, 175,417 calories burned and a carbon-footprint reduction of 2 metric tons – more than halfway to the mileage and rides challenge Humana chairman David A. Jones, Jr. issued earlier in the week.

“I’m pleased to see that within the first week of the Senior Games, the Freewheelin program has once again shown to be incredibly popular, already about three-quarters of the way to our mileage goal,” said Jones, also a bronze medalist in his age group in the triathlon at this year’s Senior Games. “Freewheelin has been extremely successful every place we’ve brought it, and I’m gratified to be able to share the fun of getting out and about on two wheels with even more people.”

To keep track of the mileage and ride challenge, a large Humana “scoreboard” is updated several times each day, letting riders know how they’re contributing to meeting the challenge goals – including the total calories burned, carbon footprint reduction and the state with the most miles ridden.

During the National Senior Games, presented by Humana, the health benefits company is offering bicycles free of charge to anyone 18 and older from the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Freewheelers are encouraged to take a ride around Stanford University’s scenic campus, home of this year’s biennial competition, or take a short ride into Palo Alto, which has teamed up with Humana to bring 120 bikes and two bikes stations to the games.

How Freewheelin Works

Bicycles will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 1-15. Riders must present a credit card and a photo ID to check out a bike; no charges will be placed on the card, provided bikes are returned by 6 p.m. Bikes may be returned to either of two Freewheelin stations set up on the Stanford University campus. Humana also will allow all riders to borrow helmets and bike locks free of charge.