Found this on Transportation Issues Daily…

Image – Erika Schultz, Seattle Times

There is compelling evidence for the economic and livability benefits Bicycle-Friendly Business Districts (BFBDs) can bring to businesses and neighborhoods.

We asked a national expert, April Economides, to educate us about those benefits.  Earlier this week Economides explained the concept of BFBDs and how they are spreading throughout the community earlier this week in our story “Emerging Trend: Bicycle-Friendly Business Districts.” Economides created the nation’s first Bike-Friendly Business District program for the City of Long Beach and has launched similar efforts in San Diego and Oakville (Canada). She speaks around the U.S. and Canada about “The Business Case for Bicycling” and Bike-Friendly Business Districts. Her complete bio follows her story below.

We hope you find this intriguing for your community.  Also, view our recent bike-ped stories.

The Economic Case for Bicycle-Friendly Business Districts

by April Economides

Last week, I described what Bicycle-Friendly Business Districts (BFBDs) are and some of the cities creating them in the U.S. and Canada. This week, lets look at why they’re important.

Most people understand bicycling is healthy for individuals because it’s a form of exercise and brings joy and fresh air. Many folks probably realize bicycling is good for communities because, compared to cars, it’s non-polluting and increases social interaction and public safety. However, fewer people make the connection between bicycling and local economies. But it’s undeniable that bikes mean business. Here are some reasons bicycling is good for our local business districts:

Read on here.