#United States #Boston #Blue Cross Blue Shield #Proud Bikes #Fenway Health

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Celebrates Pride Month with Proud Bikes

In honor of Pride Month this June, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, the title sponsor of Bluebikes, is excited to announce the return of its vibrant detailed "Proud Bikes". This initiative aims to showcase support for LGBTQIA+ health care services throughout Greater Boston. The fleet includes a total of 100 Pride-themed bikes showcasing colorful rainbow wraps, split evenly between classic and electric bicycles.

From June 1 to June 30, for every ride taken on the Proud Bikes, Blue Cross will contribute $1 to Fenway Health, a well-regarded partner that provides essential health services and support to the LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative is set to reach a maximum donation cap of $10,000. Furthermore, when this goal is reached, Lyft, the operator managing Bluebikes, will match each ride with an additional $1, contributing up to another $10,000 to the cause. This collaborative effort underscores commitment by both organizations to enhance healthcare access for all.

Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs at Blue Cross, expressed pride in bringing back the Proud Bikes for this year’s celebration. He stated, "As the largest health plan in the state, we strive to reflect and support every community we serve. This initiative is just one of the many ways we continue to push for health equity."

The CEO of Fenway Health, Jordina Shanks, remarked on the positive impacts of such initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community support in furthering health care, education, and advocacy efforts for the LGBTQ+ population. She invited everyone to take a ride on these colorful Bluebikes during Pride Month, as participation contributes to a meaningful cause.

The Bluebikes network is widely used across 13 municipalities in eastern Massachusetts, where it is managed cooperatively by the cities of Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Somerville, and the Town of Brookline. The system's cooperation with Lyft allows them to offer an extensive biking option to facilitate healthy transportation choices while actively promoting community health. This initiative has been in concert with Blue Cross since May 2018, enhancing accessibility to active transportation for local residents.

Over the years, Bluebikes has facilitated millions of trips, counting more than 25 million rides, highlighting its significance as a public transportation system by bike. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts fosters various partnerships that prioritize community health initiatives like these and remains dedicated to ensuring that diverse populations have access to the necessary care.

For those eager to find a "Proud Bike" nearby, additional details can be found by visiting the bluebikes.com website. The integration of these Pride-themed bikes into the Bluebikes system not only emphasizes solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community but also indicates the continued efforts toward promoting inclusive and affirmative healthcare options throughout the region.

About Bluebikes

Bluebikes is a public bicycle transportation system owned by thirteen cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. The initiative is co-managed by various cities and is supported under contract by Lyft.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a community-focused, not-for-profit health plan dedicated to providing exceptional care. With a commitment to equity, the organization is consistently recognized for outstanding member satisfaction and quality. For more information, visit bluecrossma.org.