July 27, 2021 - (Vancouver, BC) – As we enter Step 3 of BC’s Restart Plan, supporting local businesses remains vitally important to help them fully recover and regain financial stability. People cycling is an integral part of the solution. Over 80 local businesses have joined the program to offer freebies and sweet deals to encourage more people to ride bikes to their business
Countless studies have shown that people cycling are “competitive consumers”, spending dollar for dollar what someone who drives a vehicle is likely to spend. This is supported by the fact that in Metro Vancouver, the average person who bikes to commute has a higher income than the average resident, who makes $41,000 a year.
As the pandemic-caused ‘cycling boom’ continues to soar throughout 2021, with no sign of slowing down, there’s no better time for cycling consumers and local businesses to develop a blossoming relationship.
Biking is good for business and the community.
That’s why cycling-advocacy group, HUB Cycling, is organizing Bike to Shop, presented by Vancity. Running from August 7-20, this Metro Vancouver region-wide event will be held in 20 neighbourhoods. More than 80 local businesses are offering freebies and sweet deals to people biking to their business to attract new customers. Businesses are participating from Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Langley, Richmond, and UBC.
Participants can register for free at bikehub.ca/biketoshop. Registration will give them access to redeem promotions like free appetizers at BierCraft in Wesbrook Village at UBC and $5 beer flights at Fuggles & Warlock in Steveston.
To make the event accessible and more equitable, HUB Cycling is providing financial stipends for businesses that would like to participate but face financial barriers.
“The idea behind the event is to introduce people to new businesses that they will continue to come back to and support afterward. Businesses have told us that people that stop by for a free item end up buying more once they’re there and are more likely to visit after the event,” says Madeleine Service, HUB Cycling’s Engagement Manager. “We are also using this opportunity to showcase to the public just how easy it is to do your errands and shopping by bike. We are so excited to bring the business, biking, and new-to-biking community together after such a long time of being apart”, continued Madeleine.
“This campaign offers the perfect combination of getting active while being rewarded for supporting local businesses,” said Andrea Harris, Director of Community Investment at Vancity. “Cycling is good for people and for the planet, and it encourages local spending which is critical given the extraordinary measures businesses have taken to remain open since the start of the pandemic. Vancity is proud to support Bike to Shop, and I encourage everyone to get out on their bicycles to support local businesses,” continued Andrea.
Sanctuary Cafe in Richmond is one of this year’s Bike to Shop participating businesses. Business-owner, Tim Lee, can attest to the importance of being a bike-friendly business. “Businesses supporting cycling attract a client-base which extends well beyond their surrounding neighbourhood. With the increase in cyclists during COVID-19, businesses can benefit knowing they are helping customers stay active and helping preserve the environment,” says Lee.
For a full list of participating businesses, check out the schedule here.
