Benefits of Bicycle Friendly Business

Business Development

More customers bicycling means stronger connections between local businesses and the surrounding neighborhood. Customers on bikes are likely to travel shorter distances and visit storefronts more frequently. Because bicyclists travel at a slower pace they are more inclined to notice small establishments than someone who is speeding by in a car.

Increased Business Visibility and Foot Traffic

• Increases the visibility of a business from the street by 53%
• Bicycle corrals increase foot and bike traffic by 67%
• Make streets safer, friendlier and more attractive to visitors & new arrivals

Boom for Business

• Studies in New York City, Toronto, and Portland found that people who biked and walked to commercial areas spent more money per month than those who drove there
• With money saved on travel costs, people who ride bikes have more money to spend at local businesses
• In Seattle and New York City, taxable retail sales data showed that bike lanes had a positive economic impact
• Businesses in New York saw retail sales up 49 percent if they were near protected bicycle lanes

 

Quality of Life

Bicycle Friendly streets make it possible to get around ones community without starting up a car or needing a parking space. Bicycle Friendly Districts not only make it cheap and convenient for people who choose to bike, but they also make life easier for those who still need to drive by reducing the number of cars on the streets and auto parking spaces needed. By encouraging people to bicycle for short neighborhood trips, BFBs make their streets more pleasant and convivial places to be. Most importantly, bicycling is fun!

Expanded and Increased Parking

• Bicycle parking allows unlimited time to park
• Diminishes demand on local car parking: 14 customers can park in a bike corral, the same amount of space required for one car
• Help businesses locate in dense neighborhoods without breaking the bank on auto parking space

Increased Access

• Ample bike parking allows business patrons, visitors, and tourists to park, stroll and visit multiple establishments
• People on bikes are also more likely to make repeat trips to their local stores
• Increase transportation options for both employees & patrons
• Bicycles decrease traffic congestion in business districts
• Better bicycling infrastructure leads to higher rates of bicycle ridership

Enhances Neighborhood

• Bikes create greater awareness of surrounding neighborhoods
• Bicycle infrastructure makes real estate more desirable
• Streets that prioritize bicycling, walking and public transit positively impact the health of local businesses

 

Environmental + Health Incentives

Bicycling doesn’t pollute the air and helps people incorporate physical activity into their daily routine, leading to healthier a population and cleaner neighborhoods. Bicycling means saving money on gym passes and expensive cars; it’s an easy way to “go green” and stay in shape at the same time.

Promotes Sustainability

• Bicycles provide a zero emission transportation alternative in a time when climate change is attributed to human usage of fossil fuels
• Bicycles improve local air quality
• Active transportation improves physical and mental health, providing businesses with healthier and happier customers