“After 50 years of framing work around the automobile, retail analysts in both the private and public sectors are shifting to a new consensus: cars don’t spend money — people do.”

The quote above, taken from the report Protected Bike Lanes Mean Business, highlights a significant shift in thinking. People need access to our locally owned stores, whether getting there by foot, bicycle, wheelchair, bus, or personal vehicle. How can we balance each person’s transportation needs with municipal budgets and businesses’ bottom lines? Enter the bicycle.

There’s growing evidence that encouraging people to go by bicycle boosts the local economy. When done correctly, adding bicycle lanes and other cycling amenities can increase retail sales while decreasing parking pressures.

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“Bicycling is more than a practical, cost-effective solution to many municipal challenges,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “When local communities invest in making bicycling safer and a real transportation option for more people, the return on investment is clear for individuals and society at large — from cost-savings on public health to small businesses’ growth and more.”

While bicyclists tend to buy smaller amounts when they shop, bicyclists visit each store more often and spend more money overall compared to those who commute by automobile. Also, providing space for bicycle parking costs municipalities less than vehicle parking. A dozen bicycles can fit into one parking space designed for a vehicle.

Celebrate Bicycling in May

May is National Bicycle Month, the perfect time to amplify the benefits of bicycling and take more bike rides. Whether you ride for fun, fitness, or take essential trips to work or shop, be part of the movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.

Mark your calendar and cycle along! Mark your calendar and cycle along! National Ride A Bike Day happens May 5, Bike to Work Week will take place May 13-19, and Bike to Work Day is on Friday, May 17.

The American Independent Business Alliance and partners throughout North America will celebrate Bicycling Means Business Month in May, promoting the connections between bicycling and healthy local economies.

“Bike to Good Fortune Jewelry & Pawn in Keene during May, and we’ll give you a free Pocket Angel,” shared business owner and AMIBA member Roger Weinreich.

Attend the Kiwanis Kool Wheels Event at the Keene Recreation Center on May 4, from 10 am to 12 pm.  Kool Wheels is a free family event where kids of all ages can select a new bicycle helmet (while supplies last) and learn about bike safety.  

Schools nationwide will celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day on May 8. Over 1,000 schools will participate to call attention to making routes to schools safer and kids more active.

Enjoy a series of free guided bicycle tours along our state’s picturesque rail trails called Tour De New Hampshire. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to biking, organizers designed these weekly tours to celebrate the joy of cycling and showcase the natural beauty of New Hampshire’s incredible rail trail system. Stay tuned for details.

On May 18, enjoy The Tour de Francestown, a beautiful 25- or 50-mile marked course through Francestown and neighboring towns presented by the Francestown Old Meeting House.  Registration fees include on-course rest stops and food and drink at the finish line. Register today!

Make Every Ride Count

Make your bicycle rides count by logging your miles in the Love to Ride app. This new app will help communities make better bicycle infrastructure decisions using real-time, crowdsourced information. Rate your comfort level all along your route. You may even win a prize! Download the Love to Ride app at Love to Ride’s website.

Celebrate Bicycle Friendly Businesses, Colleges, and Municipalities

The Bike League’s Bicycle Friendly America program celebrates places that are more welcoming to people who bike. There are currently 480 Bicycle Friendly Communities, 1,480 Bicycle Friendly Businesses, and 220 Bicycle Friendly Universities. Locally, the City of Keene, Keene State College, Monadnock Food Co-op, and Keene Family YMCA received BFA designation. Congrats! View the complete database. 

Let’s get rolling!