Anthem and Bublr partner to provide free annual bike passes

Bublr, Milwaukee’s nonprofit bikeshare operator, is proud to partner with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) to provide FREE Access Passes to qualifying individuals. The promotion, which started in May for Mental Health Awareness Month, is part of a joint campaign to highlight the connection between physical activity and better mental health. Access Passes give qualified individuals unlimited 60-minute trips for one year.

So far, the free Access Pass campaign has helped spur an increase of sign-ups by 800 percent compared to 2019. Access pass users have taken 1,158 trips, biked 4,941 miles, burned 197,632 calories, and offset 4,694 pounds of carbon this summer. People are using the Access Pass to get to work on time, exercise, and explore Milwaukee.

“Access to Bublr means getting to work on time.” – Terrance

“Access to Bublr is helping me in my weight loss journey.” – Sonia

“Access to Bublr is a fantastic health benefit to a senior citizen. This will encourage me to get out and exercise more. I thank you for this opportunity.” – Marsha

“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is grateful for the opportunity to promote and encourage health, wellness and access to services for the people of our community,” said Anthony Woods, Medicaid plan president at Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Bublr’s Access Pass program is open to anyone who is either 1) living in Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee properties; 2) receiving FoodShare; 3) receiving SSI; or 4) enrolled in Medicaid.

The free Access Pass promotion will run through October. Bublr has 81 stations and more than 700 bikes across the Greater Milwaukee Area for use. Riding a bike continues to be a good way to engage in outdoor activity to improve mental health, reduce stress, and boost the immune system – all while maintaining physical distancing.

Bublr Bikes operation and use for essential trips and outdoor exercise was permitted under the Governor’s Safer at Home Order #28, the City of Milwaukee’s Order of the City of Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Imposing a City-Wide “Stay-At-Home” Requirement to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19, and the COVID-19 Public Health Plan for Suburban Milwaukee County Order #1. Bublr and Anthem Blue and Cross Blue Shield remind you to wear a mask while riding, wash your hands as soon as you get to your destination, and practice physical distancing while riding.