The PA Route 6 Alliance has recently announced its Bike-Friendly Business Program to help businesses attract more bicycling visitors to the Route 6 corridor and the entire region. This program is available at no cost to business owners and provides tools to enable them to better support bicycling enthusiasts. 

The Bike-Friendly Business Program is open to all businesses along the 11-county PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor who are current members of their CVB. Businesses should be in one of the following categories: lodging, food or drink, bike shops, and retail or attraction. 

PA Route 6 offers travelers, including a growing number of bicyclists, over 400 miles of history, scenery, small towns, and outdoor excursions. PA Route 6 is designated as both a state and U.S. Bike Route and, combined with gravel loops that allow cyclists to explore the entire corridor, is developing into a unique cycling destination. This will result in increased customers and spending at local shops, restaurants, and overnight accommodations.  

According to Candace Hillyard, Executive Director at PA Route 6 Alliance, “Bicycle tourism is one of the fastest growing demographics in the outdoor industry. We’re helping local businesses prepare to take advantage of this great economic opportunity while also providing a quality bike travel experience.” 

To be approved for the Bike-Friendly Business Program, a business must provide at least 3 of the following: bike cleaning station, bike floor pump and tools for repair, bike maps and area information, complementary locks for bikes while at the business, designated bike parking area in close proximity (bike rack, secure courtyard), have electronic charging available for devices, free water bottle refill, long-term vehicle parking for visitors taking multi-day bicycling trips, public restroom, shipping available for customer purchases, and wifi. 

Business owners recognized by the Bike-Friendly Business Program will have access to informational and training materials as part of their application. Visit www.paroute6.com/bfb-program to download a Bike-Friendly Business Checklist and start preparing for the application process today.  

Across the U.S., communities that embrace bicycle tourism have seen sustainable success. In 2017, the Outdoor Industry Association found that bicyclists nationally spend $83 billion per year on trip-related sales and generate $97 billion in retail spending.  

On average, bicycle travelers move slower and stay in a region longer than motorized travelers. The nearby Great Allegheny Passage consistently sees over 1 million bicyclists annually, with overnight visitors spending an average of 7 times more than day users.  

PA Route 6 Alliance is dedicated to helping businesses along the Route 6 corridor take advantage of this fast-growing segment of the tourism industry. Apply today for the PA Route 6 Bike Friendly Business Program. 

For more information, email us at info@paroute.com or call (814) 435-7706.

About PA Route 6 Alliance

The PA Route 6 Alliance, a 501(c3) corporation, was established in 2003 to manage the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor and to implement branding and marketing plans, community development programs and other planning efforts along the corridor.  The Alliance includes representatives from all 11 counties, 9 convention and visitor bureaus, 4 heritage areas, local development districts, local business owners, Chambers of Commerce, and other interested parties along the corridor. 

The PA Route 6 Heritage Communities program is a program of PA Route 6 Alliance and PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor funded by the PA Heritage Area Program under the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.