How to Become Bicycle Friendly

Whether you’re a business owner, advocate, community member, or agency official, you can take steps to welcome and accommodate visiting bicycle travelers. Check out Bicycle Tourism Resources for links to more information, guidances, and examples. We encourage businesses to implement what is feasible for them. 



ESSENTIALS

 Be welcoming to bicycle travelers and let them know that you’re bicycle-friendly.
  • Post welcome signs, bicycle decals, or put up bicycle-related art. 
  • Provide hospitality training for employees 
  • Promote the bicycle amenities & services you offer through your website, social media, etc. 
Provide tourism service information.
  • Maps of the town or area. 
  • Nearby services, like restaurants, grocery stores, breweries, lodging and camping, bike shops and outdoor stores, post office, library, and laundromats. 
  • Local tourism activities – outdoor recreation, nearby trails, attractions & events, etc. 
BUSINESSES

 In addition to the Bicycle Travel Friendly Essentials, businesses can offer these amenities for their customers that arrive by bicycle.
  • Bicycle parking that is preferably secure and protected from the weather. 
  • Recommended bike parking racks. 
  • Make sure the racks accommodate bicycles with loaded backpacks 
  • Complimentary lock for bicyclists to borrow. A coded lock is best so there’s no danger of losing keys. 
  • Complimentary bicycle pump – a floor pump with a gauge is best. 
  • Complimentary water for guests to fill water bottles. 
  • Food fuel – offer high calorie, healthy packaged snacks for purchase. Energy bars or gels, cheese/meat sticks, nut mixes, etc.
HOTELS and MOTELS

 These tips for hospitality businesses (hotels, hostels, B&Bs, campgrounds, etc.) provide ideas of amenities and services to accommodate guests that arrive by bicycle.  Also check out Cyclists Only Lodging for examples and recommendations.
  • Bicycle parking that is preferably secure and protected from weather. 
  • Recommended bike parking racks. 
  • Make sure the racks accommodate bicycles with loaded backpacks. 
  • Allow visitors to bring bicycles into their rooms. Or offer secure, separate space in parking garage, parking lot, or storage room. 
  • Complimentary bicycle pump – a floor pump with a gauge is best.
  • Maintenance tools and gear or a repair stand. 
  • Essential tools: bike pump, bike multi-tool, tire levers, pedal wrench, others. 
  • Essential supplies for sale, like tubes, spokes, chain lube, patch kits, lights, etc. 
  • Bike washing station that includes hose, rags, brushes, towels.
  • Complimentary lockers can be useful for cycling guests that arrive earlier or leave later than their check in/out time and need somewhere to temporarily store their gear. 
  • Laundry machines and soap for guest use. 
  • Shuttle service that can accommodate bicycles. 
  • Shipping services for bicyclists to ship home things they’ve purchased but don’t want to carry. 
  • Receive and store bikes for guests in a secure area. 
  • Bicycle rentals for guests who don’t arrive by bicycle. 
  • Courtesy phone and computer can be helpful for cyclists traveling without mobile smart devices, or as a backup if batteries are dead. 
  • WIFI is also essential for many traveling cyclists. 
Community space – bike travelers like meeting each other and sharing stories, and a common area helps facilitate that.
  • If there isn’t room inside, an outdoor fire pit can be another option. 
  • Provide activities like games, ping pong table, books, etc. 
  • Count bicyclist guests to know how many are visiting and using your bicycle amenities. 
  • Provide a guestbook to get stories, kudos, and feedback. 
  • Rent outdoor equipment – bicycle travelers might want to stay and do other activities. 
  • If they’re not available elsewhere, you could rent fishing poles, stand up paddle boards, disc golf, binoculars, etc. 
The Bottom Line is simple
Bicycling Means Business
Call for details and find out how your business can benefit and PROFIT 
by being "Bike Friendly." 406-871-6282. 


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