Bicycle Benefits Program Back in Action in 2024
Did you know that you can get special perks from certain businesses here in Westbrook simply for bicycling to them? This great program is here in Westbrook and you can take advantage of it!
Keep reading to learn all about the Bicycle Benefits Program, generously sponsored by Westbrook’s Dairy Queen!
What is Bicycle Benefits?
Some Westbrook businesses have joined a national program called “Bicycle Benefits“. The idea behind the program is to promote both cycling and local businesses at the same time.
Participating businesses give some kind of benefit, such as some percentage off a sale, or something free with another purchase. The deal is you have to show up on a bicycle and have a sticker on your helmet.
It also promotes helmet use! Bicyclists can purchase a helmet sticker for only $5. Then, all you have to do is show the sticker every time you show up to get your deal!
Who Started Bicycle Benefits, Anyway?
Bicycle Benefits was started over 15 years ago, and has about 2000 locations all across the United States, from Maine to Key West, Seattle, and San Francisco, even Alaska! Portland already has over 40 locations, so c’mon Westbrook, we’ve got some catching up to do.
The program is the brainchild of Ian Klepetar, originally of Saratoga Springs, NY. Ian is a car-free bicyclist, and has built up Bicycle Benefits over the years traveling all around the United States, mostly by bicycle, starting up Bicycle Benefits programs which then become self-sustaining with local help.
How Can I Sign Up for Bicycle Benefits in Westbrook?
Discover Downtown Westbrook encouraged local businesses to start offering Bicycle Benefits in 2023, as part of a desire to build up Westbrook’s bicycling culture. You can see the complete list of current businesses and their benefits on the DDW website’s Bicycle Benefits page.
The page also lists the businesses which are selling stickers to bicyclists, or they can be purchased at the DDW office at 816 Main Street. The Westbrook Bicycle Benefits program will be further combined with other DDW bicycle promotional activities in 2024.
We are once again providing “valet” bicycle parking at Vallée Square concerts. We will also lead monthly themed “social rides” around Westbrook.
Bicycle Benefits stickers will be available at both activities, and all rides will end at one of the Bicycle Benefits businesses.
How Can I Get Involved with this Great Program?
Speaking of social rides, they will generally be offered on the second Sunday afternoon of each month. These will usually be starting at 2 PM from Westbrook Common.
A few are at different times, so check the DDW Facebook page for details. For May, we planned a Westbrook History Ride as part of the Jane’s Walks events on the 4th.
June will focus on transportation logistics such as where the bike racks are in Westbrook and how to incorporate the Portland Metro Bus for multi-modal commutes; July will be a family ice cream ride to Dairy Queen!
Later in the season there will be a Halloween costume ride, a full moon ride (at night; bring lights!), and in December, a holiday lights ride (bring lights again).
We hope you will join our growing bike culture here in Westbrook, get a sticker on your helmet, and patronize our Bicycle Benefits business. See you on the road!
Thank you to Westbrook’s Dairy Queen for sponsoring this program!
