Starting last Friday (I'm still catching up) WABA, Commuter Connections, and the Downtown BID began running Bike Friendly Fridays (Sorry BFFs is already taken).
Bike-Friendly Fridays, which will take place between October 12 and November 16, will provide a regular opportunity to enjoy autumn in the city without the stress of driving. WABA will provide bike commuting ride leaders to help bicyclists travel from each Ward in DC to the downtown business district on Friday mornings, and will provide information online to help bicyclists find bike routes, parking, showers, and other amenities.
Downtown retail locations, restaurants, and attractions are invited to participate as Bicycle Friendly Businesses by offering special consideration for customers arriving by bicycle such as discounts on beverages, a shopping coupon, designated bicycle parking areas, or free DC bicycle maps (available at no cost through DBID). If you would like to offer something to bike commuters on these days, please email Jenn Bress at jenn@waba.org.
The idea is great. Instead of having just one day a year when you encourage new bike commuters, extend that out over several weeks. Unfortunately there are only three businesses participating so far. C'mon downtown businesses get involved. (One - the Goethe Institute - actually didn't honor the discount for a friend of mine the first week so even three might be overstating it). Still, you have to start somewhere.
[Pictured: Patagonia in downtown Portland,OR has started their own bike commute challenge among employees. they've got prime bike parking and bikesin the window displays.]
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