SMARTA BFB Certification

Bike Friendly Certified Businesses

Want to get certified?

Do you currently provide cyclist and pedestrian friendly amenities to your customers? Consider applying to be a SMARTA Certified Bike-Pedestrian Friendly Business/Organization (BFB)! There are four different levels of BFB that can be obtained depending on your organizations commitment to active transportation users. The tiers can be seen below, each has a corresponding point value.

Bronze: 1-3 Points

Silver: 4-6 Points

Gold: 7-10 Points

Platinum: 10+ Points

What types of things count towards your business/organization’s point total? There are four categories, and each bulleted item in those categories count as one point.

Category 1: Encouragement for Employees

• Bicycle Commuter Tax Benefit or other cash incentive for biking to work
• Have staff make bicycling their preferred method of travel
• Offer a Guaranteed Ride Home Program
• Host frequent organized staff rides (with key members of management)
• Support bike clubs/teams and other group organized rides
• Have one or more employees attend public meetings related to bicycle/pedestrian advocacy

Category 2: Facilities

• Offer shared bikes staff can use for non-commute trips
• Offer secure, convenient, and high quality bike parking for both employees and guests
  • Bonus point if it is near proximity to entrances and is sheltered from the elements.
• Business is easily accessible by bike/pedestrian through a network of dedicated bikeways or low-stress streets
  • If not, a point can be earned if the business/organization is actively working to advocate for improved active transportation infrastructure.
• Free water bottle refill access
• Showers, lockers, or changing areas are provided for employees
• Snacks or fresh foods available for purchase by cyclists.

Category 3: Education

• Bike maps of local area offered at establishment
• Bicycle safety skill information is readily available at your business
• Employees and guests are provided with a list of opportunities to take bicycling skills and maintenance classes
• Encourage employees who drive to work to educate themselves on how to safely operate on the road with bicyclists
• Regularly post bicycling advocacy videos on your website/social media pages

Category 4: Evaluation & Planning

• Have a set of ambitious yet attainable goals to increase ridership
  • Example: Bikers get $1 off a product on Tuesdays
• Host a Bike to Work Day periodically, or a similar event that encourages employees to commute to work via bike
• Have an appointed bike coordinator that is responsible for coordinating bike events, programs, and facilities for the business
• Conduct an annual survey to learn more about the commuting habits of employees and customers and the potential barriers that may exist for them to bike to your establishment more

What are the Benefits of Being SMARTA BFB Certified?

Great question! Aside from improving the safety and health of your community, being SMARTA BFB Certified means:

1.) Your business/organization will be mentioned on our BFB certified list, which can be found here.
2.) Your business will be promoted to and shared with our partners, found here, as well as bicyclists and other community friendly organizations. This could help increase the traffic and business of bikers and pedestrians to your establishment.
3.) We plan on working with local tourism centers to encourage them to promote all BFBs.
4.) SMARTA BFB certifications would be a FREE label you can attach to your business or organization. SMARTA would be happy to provide you with a FREE decal, maps, and other promotional material.