Bike Friendly Destinations

Your feedback and input is needed for the development of a Bicycle Friendly Business Program. With the new Missoula to Lolo Trail connecting Missoula to the Bitterroot Valley and the Montana Bicycle Celebration (July 15 -17), the Bitterroot Trail is poised to become a major cycling destination. Nonresident cyclists touring in Montana spend on average $75.75/day. This anticipated rise in recreational and touring cyclists means significant potential for dollars to be spent right here Stevensville.

This Bicycle Friendly Business Program will empower businesses to capitalize on bicycle tourism growth and assist businesses in connecting with bicyclists. Please read the attached document and provide feedback to me or to the contacts listed by March 4th. This program is a work in progress. Your thoughts are appreciated!

Bicycle Friendly Business Program

Summary: With the new Missoula to Lolo Trail connecting Missoula to the Bitterroot Valley and several existing cycling events, organizations and opportunities, western Montana is poised to become a major cycling destination. The anticipated rise in recreational cyclists means even greater growth in Montana’s booming bicycle tourism industry. Bicycle friendliness is a matter of a degree rather than a “yes or no” quality. This Bicycle Friendly Business Program will empower businesses to capitalize on bicycle tourism growth and assist businesses in connecting with bicyclists.

Program Goals

• Guide businesses on how to be bicycle friendly destinations.
• Recognize businesses for their commitment to being bicycle friendly and attract Bitterroot Trail users to bicycle friendly businesses.
• Encourage mutual respect between businesses and bicycling community.

Program Process: Interested businesses will submit a form online that is reviewed by the Montana Bicycle Celebration planning team and/or a representative from each community. Once approved, businesses will be given a decal to display in front window or door. Decal cost dependent on program sponsorships. Ideally there will be no cost. All Bicycle Friendly Businesses will be recognized on the Montana Bicycle Celebration’s website and will be added to an interactive wiki map directory.

Program Requirements

• Bicycle parking visible from front of business. Bicycle parking best practices and resources will be shared with businesses who do not currently have visible bike parking.
• Provision of restrooms and water to bicyclists.
• One more service or amenity from this approved list:
  ATM locations
  Appropriate maps, information and resources
  Bicycle Benefits
  Bicycle cleaning station
  Bicycle floor pump
  Bicycle mechanic
  Bicycle shuttle service
  Bicycle tools/supplies for sale
  Bicycle tours
  Bicycle rentals
  Banking
  Pharmacy or medical access
  Camping
  Charging
  Complimentary bicycle locks
  Complimentary shipping
  Covered bike parking
  Limited groceries
  Long-term vehicle parking
  Picnic area
  Phone use
  Self-serve bicycle repair station
  Wi-fi

Questions? Feedback? Ideas?

Download the Bicycle Friendly Business Program