Cleveland has finally found the sunshine, and it looks like it plans to stick around for a few months. That makes it the perfect time to keep an eye out for bikes and use them to do yourself, your business, and the environment some good.
The League of American Bicyclists
Last year, the League of American Bicyclists released their newest biking and walking study, “Bicycling Benefits Business,” adapted from the 2009 original study “Bicycling Means Business.” According to the League, the new study points out the positive impacts bicycling has on small businesses, showing that an investment in bicycling infrastructure and the bicycle industry generates economic benefits on a number of levels.
Here are a few of the key takeaways the League shares that show how bicycling benefits small businesses:
- More bicyclists means more purchases of bicycles, supplies, and bike share memberships. In turn, bicycle shops and bicycle industry-related businesses stay operational.
- Bicyclists shop at other types of stores too, including any with plenty of secure parking for bicycles.
- People biking while on vacation buy food, spend on travel, and pay for lodging. That’s millions of tourist dollars used across the country annually.
How can your business reap the benefits of a bicycle-friendly community? Here’s how you can get in on the economic boost bicyclists can provide:
- Encourage your employees to bike to work. Start by setting an example and show them how it’s done. It helps your employees save on gas, become healthier, and be more productive.
- Utilize your storefront space. Asheville on Bikes says bike lanes slow down traffic, allowing more people to notice what products you have to offer. All the more reason for them to stop, park, and shop.
- Recruit and retain employees. Investing in bike infrastructure is known to create jobs and attract younger, ambitious professionals to work for your business.
[Read more from League of American Bicyclists and Asheville on Bikes…]
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