Bicycle Travel Friendly Communities

Yesterday's tale from Coyville, Kansas, was hardly an anomaly. There have been some really amazing stories about things done to accommodate bike travelers around the country. For example, some generous folks in Twin Bridges, Montana, created a campground specifically tailored to bicycle tourists. On the other side of the country in Chester, Illinois, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles created their own cyclist-only campground, inspired by a visit with some TransAmerica Bicycle Trail riders.

If you are interested in making your community more bicycle tourist-friendly, you can check out our Bike Travel Friendly Town Info Sheet, which includes a listing of the basic needs of bike tourists, and information on how to make it happen in your town. Ideas include:

• Communications. Having a phone available for use by bicyclists is great. If you do not already have a library offering Internet access in your community, making a computer available for traveling bicyclists to use is another well-appreciated service. It allows them to keep in touch with loved ones, pay bills back at home, and stay connected to the outside world.
• Bike Tools. Cyclists are often in need of some basic bike tools and supplies; things like tubes, spokes, chain lube, patch kits, and so on. Lacking a local bike shop, some communities' hardware stores will stock a basic array of bicycle supplies. Make sure to let those bicycling through town know about these products by way of a small sign in the window saying something to the effect of “Basic Bike Parts Available." Having a bicycle floor pump available to borrow at a local gas station or hardware store is also a real service.
• Welcoming signage. Many communities, including our headquarters city of Missoula, put up signs on either end of town that say “Bicyclists Welcome” or “Bicycle Friendly Town.” Such signs are a terrific way to convey the fact that your town welcomes those riding on Adventure Cycling routes. Individuals businesses can be encouraged to put up signs in their windows saying “Bicyclists Welcome,” as well.
  

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