The League of American Bicyclists has released a new report, ‘Bicycling Benefits Business’. This highlights the positive impact cycling has on small businesses, neighbourhoods and regional and local economies.
“Time and time again we see a significant link between people who bike and strong, resilient economies,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists.
“When local communities invest in making bicycling safer and more accessible to more people, the return on investment is clear for individuals and society at large – from cost-savings on public health, to job creation, to small businesses’ growth, and more.
“We hope that by continuing to highlight the real economic benefits experienced in places across the US, we will inspire more communities and businesses to plan, design, and build destinations that empower more Americans to choose bicycling as a means of transportation and recreation.”
Report findings:
- When people have access to safe bicycle facilities, they often choose to ride a bicycle.
- People who ride bicycles purchase bicycles, supplies and bike share memberships. This puts people in bicycle shops and bicycle industry-related businesses to work.
- People who ride bicycles shop at other types of stores, too. Bike-accessible businesses, like Bicycle Friendly Businesses, experience economic benefits by catering to these customers.
- People who ride bicycles on vacation buy food, spend on travel, and pay for lodging. This brings millions of tourist dollars to cities and towns across the USA.
‘Bicycling Benefits Business’ also highlights the mutually beneficial relationship between cyclists and the economic impact of bicycling to society. In addition to their direct investments in communities through consumption, cyclists are also engaged in a healthy lifestyle and thereby save money on health care costs.
By saving on transportation and car ownership costs as well, people who ride bikes can in turn spend more money at local businesses — but to maximize economic spending, bicycle infrastructure must be present.
‘On infrastructure, the report demonstrates acceptable and unacceptable uses of bike parking and acknowledges widespread support for on-street corrals among the business community. Spending less on expensive car parking and instead investing in space-efficient, low-cost bicycle parking, like bike corrals, leads to cost-savings for bicyclists, employers, developers and cities.’
“Not only is secure and ample bike parking a core element of bicycle infrastructure and something the league considers in deciding its Bicycle Friendly Business awards, but it’s essential to businesses that want to attract more people on bikes,” said Bicycle Friendly America Director Amelia Neptune.
“Bicyclists like to go places where they feel welcome and confident that their bicycle will be safe while they work, shop, dine, or run an errand.”
