BIKE FRIENDLY SERVICES & AMENITIES
In order for your business to be recognized as Bike Friendly, we ask that you provide at least two (2) required services or amenities from this approved list. Criteria vary depending on business type.
Required Bike Friendly Amenities:
- Bicycle Parking: Secure short term bike parking area in most visible location possible – preferably with bicycle racks or posts for bike parking – or provisions for cyclists to bring bikes onto property (e.g. patio or indoors). Required for: Food and Drink, Attractions and Community Buildings, Shops and Services. Alternative for small Workplaces, or visitors parking.
- Bike Storage. Covered and secure bike storage area (or in-room storage) for overnight guests, employees or tenants. Preferably a bike storage room or bike lockers or bike shed with bike racks. Alternatively lodging properties may allow guests to bring their bikes into their rooms. Required for: Hotels and B&Bs, Workplaces & Residential Buildings.
- Bike Friendly Staff. Frontline staff informed of participation in Bike Friendly South Network, and bike friendly services and amenities. Staff are able to direct visiting cyclists to information on cycling routes in immediate area, local bike shops, bicycle rental and tour operators and weather reports. This information can be found in our Ride Resources or through your local bicycle shop or cyclists in your community. Required for: All Categories
Trail’s End Bike Friendly Facilities
Additional Recommended Amenities:
- Bike Repair Kit. Basic tools e.g. bicycle multi tool, Allen key set, adjustable wrench, chain lube, tire levers, puncture repair kit.
- Bicycle Repair Stand / Station – should include rags, basic bicycle tools and a bike stand (to hold bicycle off the floor for easy access for repairs)
- Bicycle Cleaning Station or area – should include hose or bucket, rags, brushes, eco friendly soap/degreaser to clean off the dirt and grease.
- Showers, change rooms & lockers. Recommended for Workplaces and trail centres.
- No Minimum Requirement for Length of Stay. This assists cyclists who are traveling by bike. Recommended for Accommodations & Campsites.
- Flexible reservations and no-turn-away policies for self supported bicycle travellers. Recommended for Campsites. See additional campsite recommendations below.
- Bicycle Mechanic or full workshop facilities or adjoining a bike shop.
- Bicycle Rentals and/or tours
- Bicycle Shuttle Service
- Access to electrical outlets for charging electronic devices and electric bicycle (standard wall plugins).
- Wi-fi
- Bicycle Tools/Supplies for Sale or Complimentary
- Offer discounts, special packages or promo codes for cyclists
- Complimentary Bicycle Locks
- Complimentary bikes for guests to use or a Workplace bicycle fleet – shared bikes for staff / tenants.
- Complimentary Water – for guests to refill their water bottles
- Breakfast hampers or early riser breakfasts
- Limited Groceries/ basic supplies – energy bars or healthy packaged foods or firewood
- Long-term Vehicle Parking – for visitors taking multi-day cycling trips
- Covered picnic area near tents. Lockers or containers to securely store valuables and protect food from wildlife. Recommended for Campsites.
- Local cycling trail and cycling route info, maps or trail access permits
- Public Restroom available for cyclists
- Shipping – for guests who arrive solely by bicycle and cannot carry purchased items.
- Laundry service.
- Make deliveries and/or transport goods by bike or use bicycle couriers.
- First aid kit readily available
- Bike Friendly Policies, Practices and Incentives to encourage staff and employees to commute and travel by bike e.g. bike2work incentives, skills training and resources
MAKE YOUR CAMPSITE BIKE FRIENDLY
Campsites worldwide are implementing policies and practices to welcome cyclists and provide specific services and accommodations for people who arrive by bicycle. The unpredictable nature of cycle travel, where unplanned factors (like terrain, weather, gear malfunctions or injury, etc) can impact itineraries means that self-supported bicycle travelers (who carry their own gear and do not have vehicular support) need more flexibility when it comes to camping options.
By making available campsites that do not require reservations and implementing a no-turn-away policy that ensures that however full a campsite is, there will always be somewhere for touring cyclists to pitch a tent.
The following best practices are intended to help campsites provide for the needs of bicycle travelers:
- Bicycle (hiker/biker) campsites – Provide a dedicated camping area (individual or group sites) for people arriving by bicycle or on foot, that does not require reservations and works on a first come, first served basis. The campsites should be accessible from the road and be near restroom facilities and water. Group bike camping areas save space while also providing a way for bicycle travelers to be social. If other sites are full, put up a sign showing that bike camping is still available.
- No-turn-away policy – when regular sites are full and a self-supported bicycle traveler or non-motorized traveler shows up, make sure there is an emergency tent camping space set aside that can be used. This can be in a common area or unused space near drinking water and restroom facilities.
- Convenient payment systems and reasonable pricing. Allow for payment on arrival, without reservation – this can be facilitated by a credit card machine or Snap Scan (or similar) or cash payments. Charge fees consistent with services and space provided
- Make the reservation process as flexible and convenient as possible.
a. Bicycle travelers are more likely to only need a one-night stay before they move on, so it is best to exempt them from two- or three-day minimum reservations.
b. If reservations are required, allow cancellations 24 hours before the reserved time (as opposed to multiple days in advance).
- Sheltered area – where people who are arriving by bike can get out of the weather to prepare food, rest, etc.
- Bicycle parking that is secure and preferably protected from weather. Choose racks that can accommodate bikes with pannier bag.
- Electrical outlets – to plug in and re-charge phones, laptops or electric bicycles free of charge.
- Bicycle-specific amenities such as bicycle tools & basic bicycle repair kit. Maps or advice on local cycling routes and trails.
- Onsite basics – Where possible provide fire wood and basic groceries for sale at the campsite, as it is difficult for cyclists to transport heavy goods like firewood.
- Lockers with locks to securely store valuables and protect food from wildlife.
- Provide a first aid kit cyclists you can use in case of emergencies.
- Welcome bicycle travelers and let them know that you are a bike friendly campsite. Post welcome signs and bike friendly signage. Promote the bicycle amenities & services you offer through your website, social media, etc. Keep staff informed about bicycle specific policies, amenities and services.
For more information please see this guide to best practices from Adventure Cycling in the USA.
