Bike-share schemes combat climate change, say companies as they merge

Motivate of Montreal and 8D Technologies of New York are to merge, creating a single bike-share solutions provider. 8D’s provides the hardware and software for many global bike share operations, including in Montreal and London. Motivate manages bike-share systems in North America , including Citi Bike of New York, Ford GoBike in San Francisco, Hubway in Boston and Capital Bikeshare in Washington DC.

"By marrying Motivate’s visionary operational and urban transportation experience with 8D’s award-winning hardware and software, the enhanced company will be able to deliver best-in-class bike share systems and accelerate future innovation," said a press statement.

8D Technologies powers nearly 40,000 bikes in bike share programs globally including Santander Cycle Hire in London, Bixi in Montreal, ADCB Bikeshare in Abu Dhabi, and Melbourne Bike Share in Australia.

Under the merger, Jay Walder, pictured, will serve as the CEO of the combined companies. 8D co-founder Jean-Sébastien Bettez will join Motivate as the Chief Technology Officer, and co-founder Isabelle Bettez will serve as an advisor and join Motivate’s Board of Directors.

“Bringing Motivate and 8D together will accelerate bike share innovation and bolster our ability to revolutionize the landscape of cities,” said Walder.

“This merger is a testament to 8D’s reputation as an innovative, forward-looking organization that delivers solar-based technological solutions,” said Bettez.

“Bike share has quickly become vital urban infrastructure and has the potential to be a real weapon in the fight against climate change,” added Walder.

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