In some progressive cycle-savvy cities, bicycles are starting to become big business, and they are beginning to have a visible effect on the built environment and the way we shape our cities.
Portland has been a pro-bicycle city since 1971 when Oregon created the Bicycle Bill, which proposed to set aside one per cent of the state's highway funds for bicycle and pedestrian development. Since then, it has paid off to the tune of $90 million in revenue for Portland alone. Portland is making the bicycle an important component of everyday life with its 143 bicycle-related businesses, nearly 4,000 annual rides, races, events and tours (that's about one every 27 minutes!), and the recent addition of bike-friendly buildings. It's no surprise that in May of this year it became the first major city in the US to achieve "Bicycle-Friendly Community" Platinum status from the League of American Bicyclists.
In a survey done this year by Portland-based Alta Planning + Design, economic activity related to Portland's bicycle industry jumped 38 per cent from 2006, bringing its estimated economic contribution to $90 million. The report boasts that Portland's expanding bicycle economy provides between 850 and 1,150 jobs to its cycle-happy residents. If you roll through some of the 435 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes, bike boulevards, and paved bike paths you will see a few businesses finding creative ways to celebrate Portland's love of bicycles with unique bike-friendly features.
Black Sheep Bakery, as the name suggests, is known for setting itself apart from the crowd. Realizing that coffee is to cyclists what gasoline is to SUVs, owner Amanda Felt decided to try a bike-thru window - no cars allowed. The small shop features a bike-only lane separated from cars and a handy little window just the right height for cyclists to roll in, grab a cup o' Joe, and roll out. Asked if having a bike-thru has benefited her business, Amanda replies, "In so many ways. Sales, exposure, and it's just the right thing to do." To help promote the latest trend in caffeine consumption, Black Sheep has thrown together a bike-thru special: a 12 ounce coffee, muffin, and bike patch kit for six bucks. Amanda and the discerning staff also offer nose wipes and horns, and are looking into stocking shock-absorbing cup holders so you don't lose any of your immaculately whipped latte on the way to work. Obviously, they are business-savvy, and know a thing or two about what cyclists want.
Follow Portland's Willamette River north along various bicycle paths and bike lanes, and you might also glide by ¿Por qué no? Taqueria. Last year the restaurant, which serves up flavours of Mexico, replaced two parking spots alongside its front patio with on-street parking for over twenty bikes. "We are a biking town and the community that surrounds ¿Por qué no? is especially fervent about biking. It makes sense to have an increased number of options for bikes as opposed to cars.
For six months of the year, the bike parking is filled to the gills!" claims el hombre behind the taco, Bryan Steelman.
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