Newsbriefs, Feb. 2013

Feb. 4, 2013

KeyWatcher® Powers  Bike Sharing Program

Oxford, CT – A new bike sharing program from On Bike Share at Wellesley College provides students access to bicycles when they need them, using keys controlled and stored by a KeyWatcher® key management system from Morse Watchmans. 

The Wellesley College program demonstrates On Bike Share's approach to simplify bike sharing for university, corporate and commercial locations. The program uses low-maintenance shaft-drive bicycles that eliminate chains and other parts susceptible to weather or vandalism. A unique lock system integrated directly into each bike's frame allows it to be locked by key to a standard bike rack.

The KeyWatcher system used by On Bike Share electronically secures and releases keys for bicycles in the system to Wellesley College students and staff. Anytime a rider scans his or her ID card to access a key, the software system logs the transaction to record where, when and how long a bike is used for comprehensive reporting and tracking. The KeyWatcher 32-key cabinet, made of high-grade components and resistant to tampering, is located in the lobby of the public safety building on the campus.

“Wellesley College has a history of piloting and implementing green initiatives to benefit students and the environment,” said Patrick Perugini, Co-Founder of On Bike Share. “This is another example of them putting sustainability and students first.” 

Colleges and universities are increasingly embracing bike sharing as an inexpensive and environmentally friendly transportation alternative, especially as campuses expand geographically and need to connect remote locations. On Bike Share offers users the flexibility to ride and park wherever they want using a system that is cost-effective to deploy and maintain, safe and easy to use.

Users check out bikes in four simple steps:

  1. Swipe card
  2. Get key
  3. Unlock bike
  4. Ride on

On Bike Share chose the KeyWatcher Touch system for its ability to share information from one location to another. In systems with multiple bike share locations, a bike can be checked out at one key station and checked in at another. KeyWatcher Touch also offers software flexibility to integrate with a variety of systems. A list of student IDs and card codes can be loaded into the KeyWatcher Touch system, or students can be added using a software interface. 

“On Bike Share's business model of providing easy, automated access to low-maintenance bicycles offers cost and operational advantages for campus environments that want to add a bicycle sharing program,” said Fernando Pires, VP Sales and Marketing, Morse Watchmans. “KeyWatcher Touch provides simplicity and flexibility to introduce key control and accountability without adding to the administrative burden of managing the system.”

For more informationm visit www.morsewatchmans.com or www.onbikeshare.com.

SARGENT Aperio Wins Product Innovation Award 

NEW HAVEN, Conn.— SARGENT's IN100 lock with ASSA ABLOY Aperio™ wireless technology has received a 2012 Product Innovation Award (PIA) from Architectural Products magazine. The PIA honors innovation in the development and refinement of buildings-related products that run the gamut from cladding systems to interior finishes.

As part of the Aperio family of wireless locks, the IN100 makes access control easy and affordable, offering effortless expansion of existing access control systems.

“SARGENT is honored to receive a 2012 Product Innovation Award for the IN100,” said Peter Boriskin, director of product management – electronic access control, for ASSA ABLOY Americas. “Judged by a group of 50 independent industry professionals, the PIA program is an impartial product review that allows Architectural Products Magazine to present to its readers, items their peers found innovative. This award underscores our continued commitment to developing unique and valuable access control solutions for a variety of applications ranging from commercial office space to critical infrastructure.”

Available in cylindrical or mortise lock configurations, the SARGENT IN100 lockset supports HID® 125kHz prox or 13.56 MHz iCLASS® contactless credentials. The IN100 features an integrated reader, monitoring and a wireless radio, simplifying installation and reducing material costs.

“Building on the success of last year’s inaugural program, our second edition of the awards proves commercial building manufacturers are committed to, and are working arduously toward, delivering more sustainable products, as well as products that deliver better performance, life and affordability,” said Jim Crockett, Editorial Director, Architectural Products Magazine.

For more information, visit www.sargentlock.com.