Most people view the competition as a battle to be won at all costs.
But my experience in the bike share industry, particularly from 2012 to 2019, was very much the opposite.
There was a time when the term “bike share” was unfamiliar to most. Now, mention "bike share," and everyone knows what it is.
This transformation was the result of an entire industry working together to innovate and grow.
Pitching to cities often meant being in the same rooms with competitors, all vying for the same contract.
Through these travels and meetings around the world, I befriended many of our competitors.
Some folks that immediately come to mind include Lee Jones from Bcycle, Lauren Isaac from her time at Motivate, Sebastian Schlebusch from his time at NextBike, and Kyle Rowe from his time at Spin (see comments for the full list!).
Together, we tackled a shared problem from slightly different angles, benefiting cities, communities, and the environment in the process.
Competition, in this light, wasn't a hindrance, but a catalyst for collective progress.
The bike share boom brought a wave of competitors, each pushing the industry forward, solidifying the category, and amplifying our impact.
This competition spurred innovation, forced us to rethink our business models, and approach problems creatively.
This is a testament to how competition can be a force for good, fostering better outcomes for everyone involved.
It made me a better operator and, more importantly, showed me the value of viewing competitors as collaborators in a shared mission.
I'm curious to hear from others. Is this sense of camaraderie in the face of competition unique to the bike share industry, or have you experienced something similar in your field?
Are you friends with your competitors, or is that just me? :)
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7moExciting initiative! Can't wait to learn more about LocalCycle!