cyclist

ZAP UMD Bike Commuting Program

What is ZAP UMD?

The ZAP UMD Bike-to-Campus Program uses ZAP hardware and software, an automated bicycle commuting recognition system pioneered at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus. It is an easy way of verifying and logging bike trips to campus, and rewarding bicycle commuters with prizes and Wellness rewards.

How Does the System Work?

how it works A small tag is attached to your front wheel's spokes. This tag is recognized by one of two strategically placed ZAP readers: ZapReader1 is located on University Drive, between Darland and the Lund Heating Plant. ZapReader2 is located on University Drive, near the Stadium Apartments. In this way, we can capture nearly any bike trip in and out of the campus. Riders passing within about 30 feet of a ZapReader will hear a beep, indicating their ride that day has been logged. Trip data are uploaded to the web, and is accessible to the cyclist and the administrator of the program.

How to Get Zapped

Ride normally past the pole that has the solar panel and RFID reading antenna. zap zone

Look for where the antenna is pointing, that is usually the "sweet spot' for reads. That is generally 5'-15' from the actual pole on the bike/hike trail. Do NOT bike directly under the pole or on the opposite side of where the antenna is pointing. See Zap Zone diagram.

You will hear a "beep" if you have been read. Generally trip data will be uploaded to your personal calendar within 15 minutes.

You only need one ZAP per day to get your credit for that day. More than one ZAP per day will not add to your mileage or total trips.

Where can I get Zapped?

What if I have more than one bike? No problem, you can have several bikes associated with your account. Contact Bryan French at 218-726-6203 or bfrench@d.umn.edu to have another tag installed.

If you are doing everything right and can't figure out why you aren't getting Zapped, please contact Bryan French at 218-726-6203 or bfrench@d.umn.edu.

So How Do I Get Started?

Get your bike(s) tagged in one of three ways:

Contact Bryan French at 218-726-6203 or bfrench@d.umn.edu to have a tag attached to the front wheel of your bike.
Visit the UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program Rental Center and a Rental Center employee will tag your bike.
Come to JoyRide Duluth! On the first Friday of every month, Bike-to-Campus staff will be available outside the UMD Bookstore to tag bikes.

Then ride your bike to campus past a ZAP reader.

ZapReader1 is located on University Drive, between Darland and the Lund Heating Plant.
ZapReader2 is located on University Drive, near the Stadium Apartments.

All participants can win cool stuff each month, or be entered in the grand prize drawing for a new bike. Staff and faculty can also earn Wellness rewards to reduce health insurance premiums.

Create Teams! Teams can compete with other teams, track your miles, CO2 saved, and calories burned on your personal ZAP web page.

Cool Bike Stuff and Engaging Program

Every month the University will be rewarding bike commuters who commute at least 8 times that month with cool stuff.

Students

Every month, UMD will have prize drawings for students who commute at least 8 times that month with cool stuff. Additionally, cyclists will be eligible for prize drawing and special challenges. Each semester, there will be a drawing for a free bike to students who have commuted at least 8 times each month of the semester.

Faculty and Staff

Every month, UMD will have prize drawings for staff and faculty who commute at least 8 times that month with cool stuff. Additionally, cyclists will be eligible for prize drawing and special challenges.

Any UPlan medical program member who rides his or her bike to work 40 times in a program year (beginning September 1, 2012), will earn 50 points for his or her Wellness Points.

Who We Are

We are the Center for Sustainability and our mission is to facilitate safe and convenient access to the University while promoting alternative modes of transportation. The ZAP UMD Bike-to-Campus Program has a goal of increasing bike commuting between the campus and the community.

Questions?

For more information, contact Bryan French, Bike-to-Campus Program Coordinator at 218-726-6203 or bfrench@d.umn.edu.

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