bicycling Archives - FutureFarming.Org

Investment in bike paths and infrastructure will not only improve our economy, and take our country in the right direction for our future; it is precisely the kind of investment the American people want and need.

So here are a few stimulating ways to fit bikes into the future.

Rental/Free Use Program – Some cities have a bike rental or free bike program. You drop a dollar in a slot, use the bike as long as you need, and then return it to any station for your money back, similar to a shopping cart in many major grocery chains. The bikes are seldom stolen, and the program pays for itself with saved money from street repairs, traffic signals and traffic enforcement, or rental fees if it is a rental program. This type of program decreases traffic congestion and increases air quality as well.

Bike Infrastructure– Where I live there are no bicycle lanes, it is nearly impossible to get anywhere on bike. Some cities have signals and lanes just for the bicyclists, in exchange the bicyclists have to add things such as pedal powered turn signals and headlights to their bikes. The shared safety makes it better for the bike rider and the car driver and adds jobs in the implementation and support function. And again let’s not forget the reduction in street maintenance needed, less costly repairs, less often!

Bicycle Production – My bike was made overseas, it was a gift some time ago before I had the conscious I do today. But when I do get a new bike someday, I will buy an American made bike (or locally made, if you live in another country). There is a great company right here in New York called Worksman Cycles, quality is important, but so is proximity to your home, if you live in NY Worksman Cycles has both.

Transportation Sustainability Research – What if no one drove their cars for one day a year? or Two? How much pollution and congestion could we save? more research is needed for better bike designs and ideas. What about a 4 seater that can go 35 or 40 miles an hour with electric assist? Add a solar panel and four commuters with a conscience and BAM you have year round safe and clean solution!

Cottage Industry – As bicycle repairs, production and customization increase, so will the industries that fulfill those needs. Jobs are mostly created by small businesses, and what better small business than a bike shop? There is little waste and we can improve it as it grows.

So there you go, some ideas to improve the economy and think ahead.

We need to prepare our economy and way of life for a sustainable future!

As I ride around my small upstate NY town, I find many times that bicycles are hated here. I mean they supposedly have a bike trail/route thing, but many local businesses, the city I live in, and the neighboring larger town and its businesses are the most bike unfriendly places I have ever lived in my life. I can only hope that things like letter writing campaigns, talking to politicians and lobbying my city council can create a better bike friendly city, but what about businesses? They get to make their own choices, and you can choose the ones that let you save gas, get in shape, save the environment, and even see the sights in your town by taking your bicycle. So whether you are a business owner, a bicycle enthusiast, or someone who shares my frustration with 300 car parking spaces and no bike rack this is for you.

Becoming a bicycle-friendly business does not require a lot of money. Often it takes only small actions and a little understanding to help out cyclist and get a green friendly reputation in the process. These small adjustments often go a long way and spread quickly in bicycling circles.

Have a basic flat repair kit / pump handy – Most good bike riders keep one of these on hand, but sometimes we all forget. One time that you save someone the toil of pushing their bike home for miles and they will never forget your business.

Have some maps around – getting lost is no fun, but I mean more like maps that may show people cool things to go see on their bicycles while in the vicinity of your business or town. You may even be able to acquire these at a Chamber of Commerce or tourism board in your area for cheap or free, if not take it as an opportunity to advertise. Either way this map will lead customers back to you.

Customer Programs – Offering special products and services to bicyclists will not only get you more customers now, but as word spreads it will also get you more customers later. It doesn’t have to be a discount either; one of my favorite incentives was a diner where I lived in Ft. Wayne Indiana that had a menu area called Bikers Lunch. It offered fare that high energy burning bicyclists may want. Some places like grocery stores offer a percentage off if you ride a bike AND bring your own grocery bags. (I used the saddlebags already on my bike.)

Employee Programs – Bicyclists are a loyal crowd, if some of them notice that your employees ride to work, volunteer at biking events or trail projects, or even just that you encourage them to, you will gain a lifetime loyal customer.

Promotion – Sponsorship and promotion of designated bicycling areas, such as on road bike lanes and off road trails, will put your business in a prominent place in the bike community. And if you don’t have a lot of money, going to, or sending a representative to, a Town Council meeting to express your businesses support of these measures will make you a bicycling folk hero. (OK I can’t guarantee that but it wont hurt you status as a green business either.)

Bike Parking – I saved the most important for last. Nothing is worse than getting to a shop and seeing they have no bike parking. I am forced to lock my bike in an unsafe area or just go home and maybe walk back…maybe not. I think that a unique looking bike rack, or a cheap recycled metal/ plastic rack, or even just a homemade wooden one will draw in a certain set of customers.

Bicycle tourists and cyclists, in general, are an extremely wired and connected community. News travels fast. And in Wisconsin, bicycle tourism is reported to bring $1.5 billion a year into the states economy, and that’s in Wisconsin, a sometimes VERY cold state. There are over 57 million cyclists in America, and as gas gets more expensive, global warming increases and environmental awareness grows, so will the number of bike riders in America. Hopefully your business will be ready!

*would love any suggestions on this one from fellow bicyclists, comment below with your bike pet peeves.