The annual SXSW (South by South West) trade show is a week and half event that encompasses interactive, film and music. And this year the Austin, Texas-based event, which has made strides to be environmentally conscious, is offering its first-ever bike share program.
This week urban transport specialist Tern Bicycles announced it would serve as the event’s exclusive cycling industry partner. Dubbed “SXcycles,” the bike share program will be available Friday, March 9, through Tuesday, March 13, from 9:00am until 2:00am. SXSW-Interactive features five days of compelling presentations from the brightest minds in emerging technology.
With a Tern Link D8, SXSW-Interactive attendees can leave buses and taxis behind while cruising through the sights and sounds of Austin, dropping in to different venues around town on a whim. The folding bikes, which can do their fold-to-unfold think in about 10 seconds, feature 8 speeds (32 to 85 gear inches) and 20-inch wheels. Each SXcycle rider will receive a Link D8 along with a helmet, a lock, as well as BioLogic front and rear lights, Portage Rack, and Commute bag for stowing laptops, tablets, and other festival necessities.
“SXSW-Interactive is an amazing event but it can get pretty hairy looking for a cab or parking when hundreds of people all need transport to a different venue at the same time,” said Steve Boyd, head of Tern in North America. “Our goal with SXcycles is to let people see how convenient, fun, and fast it is to get around by bike. Austin is an amazing cycling town and our hope is that if attendees enjoy their bike trips in Austin, they’ll think about incorporating more bike trips when they get home.”
In addition, Tern will team up with Guerilla Cyclewerx, a collective of mobile mechanics who will be available to assist with flat tires, bike swaps, and other minor repairs on the road (full repair services will be available at the main rental area across the street from the Austin Convention Center). Providing the front end service is Austin Bike Tours And Rentals (ABTAR), Austin’s go-to bike tour guide and rental company. Bicycles can be reserved online from Velolet, so riders can pay in advance, arrive at the show and be ready to roll!
Tern Bicycles Official Website
SXSW Official Website
Velolet Official Website