Wallets on Wheels

May 11, 2015

Wallets on Wheels

That’s how Barbara Chamberlain, Executive Director of Washington Bikes, describes cyclists to business leaders when she talks about economic benefits to cycle-friendly businesses. And while we think of ourselves as more than dollar signs on bike seats, it’s exciting to know that more businesses are catching on: bike travel is good for everyone’s bottom line.

A 200-Mile Journey: Cars vs. Bikes, The Path Less Pedaled

A recent study found bike tourism brings in close to $57 billion a year in Europe! Closer to home, the Oregon Travel Commission created the Bike Friendly Business Program to show tourism-focused businesses how to become more welcoming to cyclists. To be certified as Bike Friendly, business must adhere to certain standards such as hotels providing secure bike parking and campgrounds dedicating space for cyclist arriving without reservations.  With cyclists bringing a daily $1.1 million into Oregon’s economy, it's no surprise businesses are turning parking places into bike racks. We won't say you’re not still going to get a few raised eyebrows when you roll up to a roadside diner in sweaty spandex.  

Just one week into our U.S. Bike Route System campaign, and we’ve raised nearly $25,000 towards our $150,000 goal. Your donation means more miles of designated and signed routes, more people ditching their cars for bikes, and yes, more wallets on wheels.

Donate this month to get your gift matched by an anonymous donor. That means your donation goes twice the distance. And, if that doesn’t sweeten the pot enough, every donation over $25 gives you a chance to win a Danube Bike Path 7-day bike tour with Bike Tours Direct. Donate $50 or more and you’ll be entered to win a Revolt 1 from Giant.

Help us celebrate National Bike Month and support the campaign by donating today so even more routes can be designated on the USBRS. With your help, we can continue to inspire and empower people to travel by bicycle!

Leave us a comment and tell us where your biking dollars go. New bike? Bakery items? Hotels with a hot tub? We'll pick a random comment and give the winner a snazzy bike-centric pizza cutter!

Thank you again for all for your support!

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The 2015 Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. Campaign runs through May 31, 2015. All donations are tax deductible and support Adventure Cycling's organizing efforts and technical assistance for the U.S. Bicycle Route System. The campaign is supported by Adventure Cycling members, bicycle industry partners, bicycle clubs, and cyclists across North America.

Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. is generously sponsored by Exodus Travels, Planet Bike, Ortieb USA, SKS USA, Town Pump Hotel Group, and the Knickerbikers Bicycle Touring Club of San Diego. In-kind sponsors include Bar Mitts, Bike2Power, BikeFlights.com, Bike Touring News, Club Ride, Cygolite, Ortlieb USA, Osprey Packs, Planet Bike, Revelate Designs, Road Holland Cycling Apparel, Rudy Project, Sierra Trading Post and TiGr Locks. 

Over the years, the U.S. Bicycle Route System has been supported in part by grants from the Tawani Foundation, Lazar Foundation, the SRAM Cycling Fund, and Climate Ride.

Learn more about the campaign and make a donation at adventurecycling.org/beapartofit.

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* No purchase necessary to enter any featured sweepstakes offered during the Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign. To enter any USBRS campaign sweepstakes, send an email to development@adventurecycling.org with full name, address, phone, and email address by the cut off date (listed on the blog post featuring that day's sweepstakes) at Midnight MDT. Winners are selected by random drawing. Winners agree to release their name for public disclosure and promotion of sweepstakes on Adventure Cycling's blog and other communications outlets.