Getting the Most out of NABSA – Part 3
This is the final of a three-part series introducing the resources and benefits of NABSA membership.
Click here to read Part 1 of the series: Access to Resources
Click here to read Part 2 of the series: Opportunities for Education
Are You Getting the Most Out of NABSA?
In the third part of our three-part series, we’re looking at how NABSA is leading the industry by acting as the voice of the bikeshare and shared micromobility industry, and by cultivating strong cross-sector relationships for its members.
Leading the Industry
NABSA is the industry’s membership organization with representation from system owners, operators, host cities, equipment manufacturers and technology providers. As the voice of the industry, NABSA is continually researching and releasing guidance on the issues that are most important to our members. Recent examples include Shared E-Scooter Safety Principles and Resources and Guidance for Dockless Bikeshare.
NABSA also has two new research projects underway, and you can participate!
GBFS Update and Data Privacy Principles
Since NABSA launched the General Bikeshare Specification feed in November of 215, over 230 bikeshare and shared micromobility systems worldwide have started using GBFS to track their vehicles in real time.
We are currently updating GBFS to reflect the changes in the bikeshare and shared micromobility industry and better serve our users. Our goals for this project are:
- to enable new features in bikeshare systems and applications through data standardization,
- to protect traveler privacy,
- to support data needs for oversight and planning, and
- to make GBFS easier to implement through specification reference clarity improvements and best practices development.
NABSA has selected MobilityData to support GBFS as NABSA’s data consultant for this project. MobilityData works to improve the coverage, completeness, and quality of mobility data standards around the world, including the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS). The latest information on the project can always be found on our website:
NABSA.net/OpenData
Coming Soon: Industry Metrics – State of the Industry Report
NABSA will also be working with bikeshare and shared micromobility providers to develop a State of the Industry Report starting in January 2020. This report will look at the industry’s footprint, system profiles, usage patterns, user information, equity impacts, and financials.
Cultivating Relationships
NABSA also connects the biggest minds in bikeshare and shared micromobility to support, promote and enhance shared alternatives to traditional transportation across North America. Since its founding in 2014, NABSA has been dedicated to cross-sector collaboration, and creates a space for the public, private and nonprofit sectors of bikeshare and shared micromobility to convene and empower each other. As a NABSA member, you are connected with a network of leaders throughout the US, Canada, and Latin America who are facing the same challenges and opportunities.
To help build those connections virtually, NABSA hosts a members-only Google group where participants post RFPs, job notices, and requests for information from other members. If you have a question you need answered, NABSA’s membership is always happy to help.
NABSA membership opens the door to relationships with a multinational network of bikeshare and shared micromobility leaders. Attending NABSA’s annual conference is the largest in-person opportunity to connect with your peers in bikeshare and shared micromobility.
Joining the NABSA Board
Joining the NABSA board puts you in a position of leadership in the bikeshare and shared micromobility industry. Our fifteen board members serve two-year terms, with seats designated for for-profit, nonprofit, and government sectors. In 2019, NABSA reserved two board seats to represent the two largest for-profit companies by vehicle size.
NABSA Board elections are held in conjunction with our Annual Meeting, held during the NABSA Annual Conference. All NABSA member organizations have equal voting rights and their employees are eligible to run for office. NABSA is committed to equity and diversity as a component of our organizational principles and works to build leadership opportunities for diverse voices in the industry.
The NABSA Board is active and participatory. During their terms, NABSA Board members:
- Determine the strategic direction for NABSA
- Set the agenda for research and guidance
- Decide conference content and speakers
- Establish and update the NABSA Code of Conduct, Bylaws, and Dues
Stay Informed on NABSA’s Research and Network Cultivation Opportunities
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