About Ride Local™

Ride Local is an educational campaign geared toward informing consumers about how engaging in cycling and other forms of transportation can support environmental conservation and local economic development while helping them to save money and improve their health.

Cycling and Sustainability

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. 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.

To address this issue, we ensure that all Ride Local sponsors and others listed on this website are stewards of progressive and sustainable commerce. This approach will ensure that Ride Local becomes the premier source for the growing market of cycling enthusiasts who are looking for bicycle and component manufacturers, bike shops, tour operators, and destinations who are committed to sustainability

Support Sustainable Transportation

Bicycling is one of the most sustainable forms of transportation and has many benefits. 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 going into the environment, and experience the world at a pace that's more resonant with nature.

Many cities are catching on that bicycling is an effective, easy, smart, and worthwhile alternative to the automobile. As the bike movement continues to gain momentum on a worldwide scale, there are many things that we all can do to support environmental conservation and local economic development while saving money and improving their health…

• Encouraging Bicycling in Your Community
  Encouraging bicycling within one's own community helps improve public heath, air quality, and community interconnectivity. 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 community development.
  

• Commuting by Bicycle to Work
  Bicycle commuting is not only good for reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, but with the price of oil and related market demand at an all time high, biking has become a more cost effective way to reach your destination. Incorporating bicycle riding into your daily way of life is a healthy lifestyle choice, which will be reflected in greater physical fitness and your overall well being.

• Recycling 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 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.

• Supporting 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.

• Buying Locally
  Buying bicycles and parts that are sold in your community and are fabricated and assembled in your country improves your local and national economies. In addition, communities that encourage businesses to cater to cyclists create cycling economies.
  

• Respect Local Laws and Honor Protected Areas
  Being a respectful and socially responsible cyclist is of paramount importance to the biking movement since it helps to preserve and enhance access and the image of bicycling in general. 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.

• Traveling by Bicycle
  Bicycling is not only one of the best ways to travel for some it's 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.

• Supporting 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.  

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.