Attracting cyclists to your business

Being cyclist-friendly means understanding the specific needs of cyclists and offering the facilities and services that will enhance their experience. By providing the right amenities, you’ll not only attract more cyclists but also increase their likelihood of choosing your business again. Here are some easy-to-implement tips for welcoming cyclists and ensuring your business is ready for them.

Accommodation providers 

• Provide a secure bike storage where bikes can be locked up and kept safe (bikes are often worth thousands of pounds). The secure area can be a garage space, shed, purpose built lockers or basement. Would you allow customers to store their bikes in their room?
• Provide outdoor facilities for washing bikes – this can be as simple as a hosepipe, whilst a bucket and sponge is better than nothing.
• Provide a place for drying wet cycling gear such as a drying room or access to a tumble dryer. In addition offer a clothes washing service for your guests (or a washing machine if you’re a self catering property), provide a tray to put wet and dirty shoes on or a bin bag or coat hanger is a great way to deal with some soggy jackets in the short term, and will help keep things clean and dry.
• Have the basics in terms of a repair kit on hand for your guests. Why not go along to your local bike shop and ask for advice on what to include?
• A first aid kit – your business should have one already but make your cyclists aware of it.
• Provide detailed maps and information about local cycling routes. Cyclists often seek guidance on where to go, so having up-to-date route suggestions will make their visit even more enjoyable.
• Do you know where visitors can hire bikes and ebikes from? Some companies can deliver and collect and there may be a qualified cycle guide that you can start working with.
• Offer hearty, energy loaded meals, serve bananas for breakfast! Be flexible, so guests can fit in eating around early and late finishes.
• Don’t forget to join the visit Wales accredited cyclist welcome scheme.

Cyclists may be late or early to their accommodation; how do you deal with this?

Late arrivers: This is common on the long distance routes, often it is not their fault, as they may have had a breakdown or accident, or had a late breakfast because where they were staying would not let them eat early. A cyclist may turn up after normal food service is over - can you still offer some soup and a roll? And remember that mobile phone reception can be patchy in our county so they may have tried to let you know they were running late.

Early departures: Quite often cyclists want an early start (so they don’t arrive late elsewhere!) If this is difficult to provide your normal breakfast service, consider a cyclist ‘special’ that helps you manage what you can provide for a breakfast.

Cafes/Pubs/Attractions

• Provide Cycle racks outside your property for secure bike storage (as an addition why not stock some bike locks) Don’t forget cyclists want their bikes parked where they can be seen and where they will not get damaged.
• Build your knowledge (and your staffs) on local cycling routes so that you can be a useful source of information for cyclists
• Stock local route leaflets and maps. Offering printed information or even downloadable PDFs from your website can be very helpful
• Be prepared for wet or muddy cyclists and make sure they feel welcome and comfortable
• Consider your menu choices – what are cyclists looking for during a day on the bike? After a long ride, cyclists need to refuel. Tailor your menu to include energy-boosting options, hearty, nutritious meals and drinks that replenish electrolytes.
• Toilets – you may have some on your premises – do you mind cyclists using them if they ask or only if they are a customer? A polite notice saying for customers only will be understood and accepted by most and could get another sale. Do you know where the nearest public toilet is, and can you point the cyclist to where they are?
• Can you offer a cyclist ‘special’, either as a discount if you arrive by bike, or free tea with every order? Cyclists love big slices of cake, let them know you have some! Offering a free water bottle refill is a really easy way to show you care! Stock and display cyclist-friendly food near the counter such as energy bars, gels or flapjacks.
• Repair kits and spares – this doesn’t need to be complicated, and can be as simple as some inner tubes and puncture repair kits. Your local bike shop can help you with advice on this. You can sell these items. Remember though, just like food, inner tubes have a shelf life.
• Other kit – A track pump (an upright cycle pump with a pressure gauge), allen keys and spanners.

Additional Tips for Any Business:

• Offer Discounts or Special Deals for Cyclists: Consider offering special deals for cyclists, such as discounted meals, accommodation packages, or bike-related perks (like free storage or bike cleaning). A small incentive can go a long way.
• Promote Your Business in Cycling Networks: Join cycling tourism networks or platforms where cyclists look for recommended businesses. Websites, apps, and social media groups dedicated to cycling can help attract a wider audience.
• Host Cycling Events or Group Rides: Hosting cycling events, group rides, or sponsoring local cycling races can further promote your business as cyclist-friendly, bringing in a loyal customer base.
• Know your local bike shops – you don’t need to be an expert in cycling, especially if you can point visitors to a local bike shop or give them a telephone number to call. Know where your local bike shop is (it could be 20 – 30 minutes away). They are one of your best allies to give you current local knowledge for routes, issues etc.
• Bikes break down – Do you know where they can get their bikes repaired or someone who can carry bikes and people? Many local taxis have people carriers that can assist (check they can). There are also luggage transfer and bike carrier companies that can help.
• Promote free wifi so that guests can research the local area, plan activities and hire equipment. Lots of your potential customers are in an age range that expect good internet access. Without it you may lose the booking
• HOWL /TWF – bikes on trains
• FREE entry to attractions if travelled by bike.
• Public Transport – do you have this information to hand that you can give to cyclists? Check if public transport does carry bikes as there are situations that arise that mean a cyclist may need to jump on a bus or train.
• Weather forecasts - providing a daily weather forecast is not only an easy service to add value for your guests, it helps you know what sort of day your guest is going to have and if they will be arriving wet at the end of the day. Fore-warned is fore-armed!
• The ultimate way to be cycle friendly…Ask them how their ride was or is, was it good, was it bad? 

Going the extra mile: How can you stand out from the crowd? 

We’ve covered the basics. Now what else can you be doing to ensure cyclists have a wonderful experience at your business. 

• If you’re an accommodation provider, why not offer packed lunches for cyclists?
• Have a library of cycling magazines on hand in your accommodation or café – some great break time reading for cyclists
• Link up with other providers such as bike hire and guides offering your guests a wonderful unique experience.
• Encourage non cyclists to discover cycling as part of their holiday, offering route options and access to bike hire.
• Offer discounts to cycling clubs, how about a deal for coffee and cake in your café, or reduced price accommodation if they arrive by bike?