| Vol. 10, Issue 11 |
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Membership Issue Membership campaign showcases diverse cyclists Ride with Chicago’s first predominantly black bike club Action alert: Urge state legislators to override veto Suburban tollway ride raises funds for trail Advocacy welcomes new faces to bicycling efforts ‘Share the Road’ vehicle sticker art contest kicks off Share your stories on bike>>blog Businesses reach out to bicyclists |
Businesses use discount program to reach cyclists After a long day on the bike trail, you return to your lodgings and find a chilled bottle of champagne waiting in your room. No product of luck or room service, this gift was none other than a reward for being a Chicagoland Bicycle Federation member. The Beall Mansion Bed and Breakfast, located in Alton, Ill., has participated in Chicagoland Bicycle Federation’s member discount program for more than a year. In this program, members receive special discounts and incentives at more than 100 restaurants and retail partners in and beyond Illinois. Given the proximity to the scenic Sam Vadalabene bike trail to the bread and breakfast, offering a discount to Chicagoland Bicycle Federation members made perfect sense for the business. James Belote, one of the owners of the Beall Mansion, explains, “We have a lot of bikers that come our way. (Offering the discount) seemed like a natural pairing.” Belote, a bicyclist, sees the discount program as a way to draw more cyclists to Beall Mansion. “Hopefully, we will build a rapport with Bike Federation members. We know that once people stay, they will come back and send their friends.” More than 120 business owners, like Belote, participate in the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation member discount program as a way to gain exposure to potential clients and also support the bicycling community. “Anyone can get involved. Businesses don’t have to be at all related to cycling,” said Rebekah Broussard, sponsorship manager for the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. The Beall Mansion expands its commitment to the environment beyond welcoming cyclists. The Belotes have installed low water use commodes and fluorescent bulbs — and they compost yard and lawn waste. You can rest assured that even your empty champagne bottle will not be discarded – the Belotes use the bottles to package their homemade bath salts. Interested in getting your business involved? Contact us at membership@biketraffic.org. Claire Micklin is a Bike Traffic volunteer contributor.
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