GALETON — The PA Route 6 Alliance recently announced its Bike Friendly Business program to help businesses attract more bicycling visitors to the Route 6 corridor and the entire region. This program is available at no cost to business owners and provides tools to enable them to better support bicycling enthusiasts.

The Bike Friendly Business Program is open to all businesses along the 11-county PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor. And the program is open to those who are current members of their CVB. Businesses should be in one of the following categories: lodging, food or drink, bike shops and retail or attraction.

PA Route 6 offers travelers over 400 miles of history, scenery, small towns and outdoor excursions. PA Route 6 is designated as both a state and U.S. Bike Route and combined with gravel loops that allow cyclists to explore the entire corridor. Which is developing into a unique cycling destination for biking enthusiasts.

According to Candace Hillyard, executive director at PA Route 6 Alliance, “Bicycle tourism is one of the fastest growing demographics in the outdoor industry. We’re helping local businesses prepare to take advantage of this great economic opportunity while also providing a quality bike travel experience”.

To be approved for the Bike-Friendly Business Program a business must provide at least 3 of the following; bike cleaning station, bike floor pump and repair tools, map and area information, complementary locks for bikes, designated bike racks and parking lot, have electronic charging available for devices, free water bottle refill, long-term vehicle parking, public restroom, shipping availability for customers, and wifi.

Business owners recognized by the Bike-Friendly Business Program will have access to informational and training materials as part of their application. Visit www.paroute6.com/bfb-program to download a Bike-Friendly Business Checklist.