In the Community

Bike Share ICT continues its legacy in Wichita with support from Blue Health Initiatives grant

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) is renewing its support of Bike Share ICT with a donation of $360,000 to continue to encourage Wichitans and visitors to be outside and active. This takes the total BCBSKS has contributed through this program toward healthy living over the $1 million mark.  

“We are committed to helping this program be successful and grow by providing this healthier mode of transportation across the city of Wichita,” said Virginia Barnes, director, BCBSKS Blue Health Initiatives. “As the state’s only local health insurer, we want to take an active role in helping Kansans lead healthier, more active lifestyles and Bike Share ICT does just that. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary this year, we could not be more excited to continue support of this exciting venture.”

Bike Share ICT, a program of Health ICT and facilitated by the City of Wichita, launched in 2017. Since then, more than 50,000 rides have been taken for both business and pleasure. With 45 stations across the city and 220 bikes available for use, supporters of the program believe it’s about more than just the bikes.

“Bike Share is a program near and dear to my heart and one that I worked on even before I joined the Council,” said Vice Mayor Becky Tuttle. “Bike Share ICT is about so much more than expanding the availability of bicycles in Wichita. It represents our dedication to growing quality of life opportunities in our community. We are so thankful for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas for their continued support of this program.”

Bike Share ICT is a safe, convenient, affordable mode of transportation. This mode of commuting is shown to positively impact local economy, reduce crimes and improve overall health and wellness. To learn more, visit bikeshareict.com.

BCBSKS established Blue Health Initiatives in 2016 to invest in initiatives that will help improve the health of all Kansans. Grants from Blue Health Initiatives come from ongoing investments and returns. Group and member premiums do not increase or decrease based on grants given.

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