About NABSA
Mission: The North American Bikeshare Association (NABSA) connects the biggest minds in bikeshare and shared micromobility to support, promote and enhance shared alternatives to traditional transportation across North America. NABSA is the industry’s membership organization with representation from system owners, operators, host cities, equipment manufacturers and technology providers.
NABSA is a 501(c)3 organization, founded in 2014. NABSA provides resources and education and creates a space for the public, private and nonprofit sectors of bikeshare and shared micromobility to convene and empower each other.
In December 2018, NABSA widened its scope to include other shared micromobility devices. If it fits in a bike lane, it fits in the North American Bikeshare Association.
As of summer 2020, NABSA represents 77 organizations, businesses, and cities in 6 countries. About half of NABSA members are for-profit businesses, 25% are non-profits, and 22% are government.
NABSA’s Values
NABSA brings together the most knowledgeable and experienced individuals and organizations in the industry to support, promote and enhance bikeshare and shared micromobility across North America. NABSA is the industry’s only membership organization with representation from system owners, operators, host cities, equipment manufacturers and technology providers. As such, NABSA’s core values are:
SAFETY: Bikeshare and shared micromobility must be implemented safely. NABSA members must provide and maintain equipment consistent with local, state and federal safety and quality standards appropriate for shared-use bicycles.
COMMUNITY FIRST: Bikeshare and shared micromobility must reflect the needs and requirements of each community in which they operate. This means that in addition to being safe, reliable and user friendly, they must also comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. All operators and prospective operators should be respectful of existing local efforts, agreements and processes.
COOPERATION: Bikeshare and shared micromobility are part of the transportation network. NABSA members are committed to working cooperatively with other mobility providers to create an integrated system for our customers.
CUSTOMER-FOCUSED: NABSA believes that the long-term success of the industry depends on providing a high-quality customer experience. This means that systems must make best efforts to clearly communicate pricing, policies and practices to riders.
TRANSPARENCY: Hidden fees and confusing price structures damage the reputation and integrity of the bikeshare industry. NABSA members must be transparent when it comes to ride pricing and membership, and should willingly share anonymized trip, membership and other data on a regular basis.
DIVERSITY AND EQUITY: In every area, NABSA will promote an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of its staff, members and the communities they serve. NABSA expects its members to provide bikeshare and shared micromobility services to riders regardless of race, gender, income, age or immigration status. Member systems should make good-faith efforts to engage diverse communities that need low-cost, healthy transportation options.
Reporting Violations of the NABSA Code of Conduct
If you feel that a NABSA member organization may be in breach of the Code of Conduct, a complaint may be filed. Once a complaint is filed, NABSA follows the below procedure:
- A notification letter of the filed complaint is sent to the member
- An Investigating Director from the NABSA Executive Committee is assigned
- The Investigating Director compiles evidence
- If enough evidence is found that may indicate a Code of Conduct violation, a hearing is scheduled for at least 20 days from when the member receives notice of such hearing
- A notice is sent to the member in question of the hearing date
- A hearing is held with member representation and the NABSA Board to gather more information
- Deliberation is held by the NABSA board to decide the outcome and any corresponding disciplinary action
- A notice is sent to the member of the board’s decision and any corresponding disciplinary action
- The member has 2 weeks from the date of the notice to appeal or respond
- If an appeal is made, it is either rejected or goes before a second and final Board vote
NABSA’s Administration
NABSA was founded in 2014 as a 501(c)3 organization. The Association is led by a fifteen-person volunteer board comprised of nonprofit, for-profit, and government representatives. NABSA hired its first Executive Director in 2017, and added two additional staff members in 2019.
