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About Ride Local™
Ride Local is an educational program designed to raise consumer awareness about the environmental, economic, and health benefits of alternative transportation including bicycling. Whether for business, leisure, or simply running errands, riding a bike is by its very nature one of the most sustainable forms of transportation, used by millions worldwide on a daily basis. Ride Local works with consumers, bike shops, the bike industry, and other businesses to promote sustainability and social responsibility.
Promote Alternative Transportation
Having commuter-friendly infrastructure in place is necessary to increase the use of bicycles as daily transportation and for recreation and leisure, but education is equally important: inspiring people to get out on the trail, to take advantage of their urban pathways and cycling routes plays a key role in developing a healthy bike culture.
One of the ways Ride Local is working to foster this culture is through an international campaign using educational materials designed for bike shop, business and consumer use. An 8-1/2x 11 flyer for bike shops and other businesses are available for free download; other posters, banners, and stickers can be viewed and purchased at our Ride Local Store for bike shops and businesses.
Ride Local Supporters
Despite the perceived low impact of cycling, it is surprising how few bicycle manufacturers, bike shops and bicycle tour operators have implemented integrated strategies for managing their impacts. Ride Local strives to guide the industry toward improved sustainability through education. By demanding and expecting sustainability industry-wide, cyclists can prompt consumer-driven companies to begin offering more environmentally friendly products, which in turn will help them retain a competitive edge.
Ride Local sponsors and others listed on this website are stewards of progressive and sustainable commerce. Bike shops, manufacturers, and other businesses who participate in the Ride Local program are recognized for their commitment to sustainability and dedication to strengthening the bike movement. Ride Local aims to be the premier source for the growing market of alternative transportation enthusiasts who are looking to patron businesses and visit destinations that are committed to sustainability.
Cycling and Sustainability
In response to increasing environmental concerns and ever-present economic challenges, the bike movement continues to grow at a rapid, steady pace; biking is an accessible and affordable way to navigate daily routines and new places near or far. Even so, the national average in the United States, for example, of daily commuters getting there by bicycle hovers only around 1%.
Ride Local strives to raise this figure by raising awareness: American car owners, for example, drive an average of 40 miles per day. If they rode a bicycle instead, they would save on average 14 gallons of gas (and over US$45) each week, burn around 500 calories per hour, keep almost six tons of greenhouse gas emissions from escaping into the environment, and experience the world at a pace that's more resonant with nature. Ride Local’s Commuter Campaign educates consumers of the collective positive benefit of commuting to work just one day per week by bicycle, or spending a Saturday running errands on their bike instead of by car. Ride Local also works with business owners to raise awareness of how they can facilitate commuting by bike and other alternative means by providing tax deductible amenities such as showers, bike storage, lockers, and bike racks.
As the cycling trend gains momentum, and city and regional planners realize that bicycling is an effective, easy, smart, and worthwhile alternative to the automobile, communities are working together to fund and execute projects to improve bike access to their town centers and attractions. They are creating and expanding urban cycling routes and bike paths, and working with county and national land management agencies to tie in rural trail networks as well.
There are many things that we can all do to help foster a bike culture in our community, lessen our impact on the environment and support local economic development while saving money and improving our health:.
- Encourage Bicycling in Your Community
Encouraging bicycling in your neighborhood and town not only builds community, but actually improves air quality, noise pollution, and public health. Bicycle-friendly communities offer a higher quality of life, which increases property values, business growth and tourism. Riding in one’s own community also helps establish a sense of place and fosters sustainable local development. Participate in a bike-to-work/school day or week, and inspire your friends and neighbors to join you.
- Commute to Work
Bicycle commuting is not only good for reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, but biking is also a more cost effective way to reach your destination. Incorporating bicycle riding into your daily way of life is a healthy lifestyle choice, resulting in greater physical fitness and overall well-being. Employees who cycle to work are eligible to receive $20 per month (up to $240 annually) tax-free to apply toward bicycle-related expenses via the Bicycle Commuter Act.
- Share the Road
Be aware of other users on the roadway, particularly in areas where sidewalk access is limited, and where shoulders are narrow. The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists; obeying traffic control devices and signaling to indicate stops and turns are not only considerate, but required by law. Cyclists should always ride on the right, and check for traffic before entering streets and intersections. To ensure you are seen, cyclists should wear brightly colored clothing, lights in low light conditions, and both cyclists and pedestrians should make eye contact with motorists whenever possible. Motorists should scan for cyclists and pedestrians at intersections, reduce speed when encountering cyclists, look for cyclists when opening doors, and give cyclists ample space when passing.
- Recycle Your Bicycle
Recycling your old bicycles and equipment within your community lowers the cost of procuring a bicycle and helps to "close the loop" by reducing bicycle related waste. Purchasing a used bicycle is also a great way to go. Though quality and prices vary considerably, there are a few reliable places for finding a deal. We also suggest you search "recycled cycles" online to find used and reconditioned bicycle shops in your area.
- Support Bicycling Manufactures that Support Sustainability
Although the environment and sustainability is at the forefront of many corporate agendas, few bicycle manufacturers have implemented integrated strategies for managing their impacts. By demanding and expecting sustainability industry-wide, bicyclists can prompt consumer-driven companies to begin offering more environmentally friendly products, which in turn will help them retain a competitive edge.
- Respect Local Laws and Honor Protected Areas
Being a respectful and socially responsible representative of the cycling community is critical to fostering a healthy bike culture. It is important for cyclists to do their part to maintain a positive public image of bicycling, helping to inspire others to get on their bikes. When cycling around your community, be aware of traffic laws and customs, show consideration for others, and learn and follow all advisories, rules, and regulations.
- Travel by Bicycle
Bicycling is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to travel, and it is the primary means of transportation for many people around the world. Traveling by bicycle and utilizing public transportation gives you more freedom and flexibility to explore, meet local people and experience life at their pace while immersing yourself in the culture of a new destination.
- Support the Bicycle Movement
Federal and local transportation infrastructure bills and initiatives are always ongoing. Research local referendums and legislation that fund bicycling in your community and show your support by backing them. Get involved with your local advocacy group and volunteer for trail building and maintenance projects, and find out what your city is doing to improve access to bike paths and safe bike routes. With the demand for cycle-friendly neighborhoods and cities on the rise, local and regional planning departments are working with communities to develop trail networks to accommodate increased bike traffic and address safety concerns.
- Get Down with Dirt
Even the most urban of communities usually has some singletrack trail nearby, making mountain biking a perfect way to get out and explore nature and enjoy some fresh air. If you are new to mountain biking, visit your local bike shop and inquire about trails, bike rentals and clinics in your area. If you are an experienced rider, inspire others to ride and take someone mountain biking for the first time. Mountain biking is one way to strengthen our connection to the outdoors and to develop an appreciation for biking as a means of transportation as well. Good trail systems attract mountain bikers from around the world and help bring revenue to local economies. Find out how you can get involved to develop and improve your local trails, and ride locally to help build a strong biking community.
- Support Your Local Bike Shop
No one knows the local cycling scene better than the knowledgeable and personally invested staff of your local bike shop. Not only will they share local trail and commuter and road route information and hook you up with maps, they are often a gathering place, and will be up to speed on local events, rides, and other information that is often helpful to tourists and residents alike. They are a vital link between the consumer and the industry; your purchasing power will influence a small local shop more profoundly that it can a large online retailer, which eventually impacts the industry as a whole. Shopping locally builds community and keeps dollars in the local economy, ensuring long-term vibrancy and security.
For More Information
If you're interested in learning more or becoming a sponsor or supporter of Ride Local, please emaill us or call 800-276-7764. |
