We've officially launched ZAP Twin Cities, a new bike commuter incentive program offering rewards and encouragement for those who travel by bike in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

St. Paul Smart Trips developed the novel program in collaboration with partners Commuter Connection, the University of Minnesota and local bike rack company Dero.   

How ZAP works?

Using radio frequency identification tags installed on participants' bicycles, ZAP Twin Cities records rides when cyclists pass by one of the 38 stations positioned in the downtowns or on the U campuses ---seven in downtown St. Paul, nine in downtown Minneapolis and 22 at the U of M. See map.

ZAP reader at Kellogg and John Ireland Boulevard.

All participants earn a prize after their first 10 days getting zapped. Then, each month a user records eight days of zaps, he or she is eligible for prizes like bike gear or gift cards to restaurants and shops.  

Participants can view personal stats online about number of bike trips made, miles biked, calories burned, CO2 reduced and money saved.

The ZAP program was introduced at the University of Minnesota in January, and  already 1,200 enthusiastic students, faculty and staff are getting zapped regularly for prizes and health plan discounts.

The program will increase the number of people biking to work and for day-to-day transportation, provide valuable bike count data and increase support for bike commuting with regional employers.    

Get your bike tagged in our office or at an upcoming St. Paul tagging event. Visit www.ZapTwinCities.org for more details.  

Bring ZAP to your workplace:  

Have Smart Trips' Employer Outreach Specialist Damian Goebel visit your workplace to register participants and tag bikes. Contact damian@smart-trips.org, or at 651-224-8555, ext. 24.