Post #4448912

2026-08-07 23:48 UTC

@streetmeme@cycle.town asks: Q7. How can small businesses build a clientele with diverse transportation modes? Some business owners oppose bike lanes, bus lanes, and street safety improvements; some claim that the loss of parking will be fatal for their business, despite studies showing that business activity generally increases after such projects. Given that urban street design philosophy in many US cities is finally prioritizing safety and multimodal transportation, what can businesses do to prepare for that future? (Relatedly, what good outreach can be done by people who cycle to preemptively address these fear of losing business?) #BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite@fedigroups.social

Replies (7)

@MartyCormack@urbanists.social 2026-08-07 23:56

@ascentale@sfba.social @streetmeme@cycle.town @bikenite@fedigroups.social #BikeNite A7: It is sometimes suggested to remove your cycling helmet before entering a business. But maybe, wearing one while patronizing a business due to be "affected" by new bicycle infrastructure might be helpful in reminding the owner that cyclists are customers too.

Open ##4448911
@Amgine@mamot.fr 2026-08-08 00:25

@ascentale@sfba.social @streetmeme@cycle.town @bikenite@fedigroups.social I currently ride or walk most times I am shopping in my town. There is a severe lack of convenient bike parking. My preferred grocer has parking for 4 bikes, and only one other grocer (of 7) has a bike rack at all. There are no bike lockers as far as I am aware. I have no idea how to address this with the businesses. But I do keep pointing to how many of the tourists arrive in town on a saddle via popular trails.

Open ##4448971
@arestelle@dice.camp 2026-08-08 01:26

@ascentale@sfba.social @streetmeme@cycle.town @bikenite@fedigroups.social A7. Install proper bike racks. I can't frequent a shop if I can't park my bike securely anywhere nearby. #BikeNite

Open ##4449044
@NNN@bettercities.top 2026-08-08 03:13

@ascentale@sfba.social @streetmeme@cycle.town @bikenite@fedigroups.social A7) - stores prioritize parking - this causes more deaths nearby(*) - stores need a reason to care City can institute a fund to pay $1million USD to estate/family of any pedestrian road violence victim at an intersection; the fund is maintained by all businesses on the four adjoining blocks Suddenly, the stores will want lower speed limits, traffic calming, daylighting & narrow crossings (*)I'm thinking of Lyn/Lake, the deadliest intersection in Minneapolis

Open ##4449200
@uxMark@cosocial.ca 2026-08-08 13:06

@ascentale@sfba.social @streetmeme@cycle.town @bikenite@fedigroups.social A7. Most cities and towns will have a cycling advocacy group of some kind. A business could approach one in their area and ask for guidance. Big benefit is that their local expertise about what people need would be helpful. And they may even get the word out about the business.

Open ##4449264
@MatthewNewell@mastodon.social 2026-08-08 06:37

@ascentale@sfba.social @streetmeme@cycle.town @bikenite@fedigroups.social A7 #BikeNite #BikeTooter 1. Provide factual research reports to business owners which overwhelmingly show that store footfall (both casual and regular) increase when multimodal (especially walking cycling) transport is privileged over car based 2. Info packs to all business owners about cycle specific infrastructure. Both for their own premises (IE wheel bender racks are very much not preferred) and the space outside (encroaching onto paths is a big no)

Open ##4449273
@rowmyboat@glammr.us 2026-08-08 13:15

@ascentale@sfba.social @streetmeme@cycle.town @bikenite@fedigroups.social A7: Put some high quality bike racks near the entrance and IN THE FUCKING SHADE. Then clear them when it snows. #BikeNite

Open ##4449276