CERTIFICATION Program Guide
About Bike Friendly Certification is a recognition and training program for businesses and institutions that support bicycle commuting, bicycle travel and bicycle tourism experiences in Nova Scotia. Our program strives to: Offer training and resources that help businesses and institutions become bikefriendly Help bike-friendly businesses stand out and connect with customers Recognize businesses and institutions that promote cycling as a form of transportation Encourage communities to meet growing demand for bike-friendly amenities and services Bike Friendly Certification is a program of Bicycle Nova Scotia. BNS is a not-for-profit invested in improving conditions within Nova Scotia so that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy the freedom, joy and practicalities of riding a bike.
The Benefits of Certification Membership Visibility Demonstrate Leadership People who choose cycling for primary or occasional transportation are growing in numbers and many communities in Nova Scotia are investing in becoming bikefriendly. 1 Bike-Friendly Certification will help your business stand out as a leader becoming bike-friendly. Tap into a Growing Market For businesses and organizations that benefit from Nova Scotia s tourism industry, Bike-Friendly Certification is a way of tapping into the bicycle tourism market. Certified members are recognized and promoted by Bicycle Nova Scotia, can receive bike-friendly recognition from Tourism Nova Scotia, and have access to marketing collateral to attract cyclists. Being Bike-Friendly is Good for Business Studies have shown that people who shop by bicycle are loyal customers. They visit more frequently and spend more over time than the average customer. 2, 3 The many health benefits of cycling may also improve workplace productivity. 4 It s Free! Bike Friendly Certification is offered at no cost by Bicycle Nova Scotia. Get On the Map Certified members can create a profile and list their business on the Bike Friendly Nova Scotia Map online at: bikefriendlyns.ca. Get Noticed Certified members can order a Bike Friendly Certified window decal, stickers and may use the Bike Friendly Certified logo in their own promotions. Online Presence Social media (Twitter and Facebook) recognition from Bicycle Nova Scotia and its partners Promote packages with other Bike-Friendly Certified businesses on bikefriendlyns.ca. Recognition in Bicycle Nova Scotia newsletter 1 http://novascotiatourismagency.ca/sites/default/files/page_documents/outdoor_enthusiasts.pdf 2 Kelly J. Clifton, Sara Morrissey, and Chloe Ritter, Business Cycles: Catering to the Bicycling Market, TR News 280, 2012: 26-32. 3 Kelly J. Clifton, Sara Morrissey, and Chloe Ritter, Business Cycles: Catering to the Bicycling Market, TR News 280, 2012; Joshua de Jong, The Importance of On-Street Parking to Business Vitality, Dalhousie University School of Planning, 2013; Clean Air Partnership, Bike Lanes, On-Street Parking and Business: A Study of Bloor Street in Toronto s Annex Neighbourhood, 2009. 4 Fares Bounajm, Thy Dinh, and Louis Thériault, The Economic Impact of Reducing Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Behaviour, The Conference Board of Canada, 2014.
Certification Categories Three categories are available to fit the needs of different businesses models: Service and Hospitality, Workplace, and Residential Property. Any business that is able to meet program criteria is eligible for certification. C E R T I F I E D Service, Hospitality, and Civic Centres For accommodations, restaurants and cafes, retailers, attractions and civic buildings. Focus is supporting traveling cyclists and locals that shop, dine and get around on a bicycle. Certification Process Certification is just 3 easy steps, and we are here to help you complete your application, just reach out. Step 1 Choose the type of certification you would like to apply for, this will determine how you will be listed on the Bike Friendly Certification website. W O R K P L A C E Bike-Friendly Workplace For any employer or commercial property manager that wants to encourage bicycle commuting. Bike-Friendly Residential For residential properties of all sizes. Step 2 Prepare for your application by reviewing criteria for your category (in the following pages) to see how your business can support cyclists and whether you qualify for certification. Step 3 Apply for the certification online at bikefriendlyns.ca. Bicycle NS will evaluate your application and follow up with you soon afterwards! For application help email admin.staff@bicycle.ns.ca. R E S I D E N T I A L
Program Criteria Service, Hospitality, and Civic Centres C E R T I F I E D For accommodations, restaurants and cafes, retailers, attractions and community buildings. Bike- Friendly Service and Hospitality criteria focus on amenities and services that support bicycle travel and transportation. Criteria vary depending on business type. Hotels and B&Bs This classification includes any fixed roof accommodations. Applicants must have an Accommodations Licence. Required 1. Long-term bike parking (or allow in-room bike storage) 2. Bike repair kit 3. No minimum requirement for length of stay 4. Knowledgeable staff that can provide direction to bicycle shops, and rental locations. Recommended Bike Repair Stand Bike Cleaning Station Train staff in basic repair mechanics Stock bike route and trail maps Promotional packages with other bike-friendly businesses. Refer to Amenities Guide for more information Apply online at bikefriendlyns.ca. For application help email admin.staff@bicycle.ns.ca.
Program Criteria Campsites This classification includes any open air accommodations. Applicants must have an Accommodations Licence. C E R T I F I E D Required 1. Campsite available without reservation 2. Bike Repair Kit 3. Knowledgeable staff that can provide direction to bicycle shops, and rental locations. Recommended Sheltered area for meals Long-term bike parking Bike Repair Stand or Station Bike Cleaning Station Train staff in basic repair mechanics Stock bike route and trail maps Promotional packages with other bike-friendly businesses. Refer to Amenities Guide for more information Food and Drink This classification includes restaurants, cafes, pubs with food services, etc. Applicants must have an Food Service Licence Required 1. Short-term bike parking 2. Washrooms available for cyclists (no need to be patrons) 3. Knowledgeable staff that can provide direction to bicycle shops, and rental locations. Recommended Healthy local food options identified with Bike Friendly logo Picnic lunches Bike Repair Kit Bike Repair Stand Stock bike route and trail maps Promotional packages with other bike friendly businesses. Refer to Amenities Guide for more information Apply online at bikefriendlyns.ca. For application help email admin.staff@bicycle.ns.ca.
Program Criteria Attractions & Community Buildings This category includes tourism attractions include museums, amusement parks, historic sites, town halls, community/recreation centres, libraries, etc. C E R T I F I E D Required 1. Short-term bike parking in visible area located near entrance 2. Access to washrooms, rest areas and water 3. Knowledgeable staff that can provide direction to bicycle shops, and rental locations. Recommended Healthy, local food options Picnic Lunches Bike Repair Kit Bike Repair Stand Stock bike route and trail maps Refer to Amenities Guide for more information Shops and Services Required 1. Short-term bike parking 2. Access to washrooms 3. Knowledgeable staff that can provide direction to bicycle shops, and rental locations. Recommended Shipping for purchases (stores) Bike Repair Kit Bike Repair Stand Stock bike route and trail maps Promotional packages with other bike friendly businesses. Refer to Amenities Guide for more information Apply online at bikefriendlyns.ca. For application help email admin.staff@bicycle.ns.ca.
Program Criteria Workplaces Bike Friendly Workplaces criteria focus on amenities that make cycling to work convenient and comfortable and policies that encourage employees to consider bicycle commuting. W O R K P L A C E Required 1. Long-term parking or covered outdoor parking in a high traffic area 2. Short-term bike parking may be acceptable in some cases (i.e. for small businesses). Uncovered short-term parking may be a deterrent to employees who are concerned about bicycle security and maintenance. 3. Bike Repair Kit Refer to Amenities Guide for more information Recommended Amenities Shower facility Changing room with lockers Bike Repair Stand or Station Workplace bicycle fleet Bike Cleaning Station Programs, Policies and Incentives Flexible work schedules (to avoid peak traffic) Bike-commuter incentive programs Bicycle mileage claim program Charity-ride participation Commuter challenge Bike-to-work days Car-free days Set and track workplace bicycle mode-share targets Bicycle training lunch + learns Bike-friendly community engagement and advocacy Employer Examples Bursting Silver employees who bike to meetings get paid double the mileage they would recoup if they drove a car $1 per kilometer rather than 50 cents. Stantec Cool Commute Challenge, which started as a small bike-to-work event in 2007, is now an annual campaign that encourages employees to get out of their cars and into alternative modes of transportation for the month of June! ING DIRECT Vancouver pays for regular bike maintenance for employees who cycle to work EAC Mileage Program, employees at the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax, NS are reimbursed for every kilometer ridden on their bicycle (waiting on numbers from Eliza Jackson) to cover maintenance costs that accumulate over usage. Lunenburg Electric Bike initiative Apply online at bikefriendlyns.ca. For application help email admin.staff@bicycle.ns.ca.
Program Criteria Residential Bike-Friendly Residential criteria focusses on amenities that make bike storage, maintenance and access convenient and secure. No more lugging wet bikes through hallways and down stairs! R E S I D E N T I A L Required Bike-friendly residential properties must have Long-term bike parking with at least one bike parking space for every two units (For example, 100 units = 50 bike parking spaces). Parking facilities must be accessible to residents only and located so that they can be easily accessed by riding or wheeling the bike. Appropriate residential bicycle parking will depend on the type of property. Recommended solutions include: Recommended Secure bicycle storage is the foundation of a good bike-friendly building. Several amenity upgrades can be made to provide spaces and facilities for cleaning and maintaining bicycles in the building. Bike Repair Station or Bike Stand with Bike Repair Kit Bike Cleaning Station with hose, rags, brushes Indoor: Bike lockers or bike rooms located within secure underground parking garage or accessible utility space. Outdoor: Secure bicycle storage shed. Refer to Amenities Guide for more information Apply online at bikefriendlyns.ca. For application help email admin.staff@bicycle.ns.ca.
SPECIAL OFFER while supplies last C E R T I F I E D W O R K P L A C E R E S I D E N T I A L Free Bike Racks Bicycle Nova Scotia is offering free bicycle racks to early applicants that are able to meet all other required certification criteria. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-comefirst-served basis. A delivery fee may be charged to recipients. The program does not cover the cost of installation, which in some cases may require pouring a concrete pad. We can offer referrals to contractors with experience installing bike racks. Contact admin.staff@bicycle.ns.ca for availability
Amenities Guide We have collected the latest in best practices for cycling infrastructure and policy so you can design and implement the most bike friendly solutions.
Bike Racks to Avoid Bike racks that do not allow locking of the frame and place stress on wheels should be avoided. Bike Parking Long-term parking Serpentine Schoolyard Long-term bike parking is intended for use over several hours or overnight. Long-term parking should be located within secure areas with limited access and protect bikes from the elements. Cage Wheelwell Bollard Coathanger Spiral Short-term parking Short-term bike parking (also referred to as Class 2 or Class B bicycle parking) is designed to be used from a few minutes up to a couple of hours. As a result, short-term parking should be easily accessible, in plain view, and available for public use. Locating short-term parking within 15m (50 ) of the entrance used by cyclists is recommended, as is weather protection where possible. Lockers Room Inverted U Post & Ring What makes a good bicycle parking space: Each parking space is a minimum of 0.6m X 2m Includes a rack that supports the bicycle in a stable position, with two points of contact preventing it from falling over Can be a wall-mounted rack Is securely anchored to the ground or wall Resists cutting, rusting and bending or deformation Well maintained and cleared of snow in the winter Placed no more than 15m from the entrance used by cyclists* Visible from the destination to reassure cyclists about security of the rack* Located in a high-traffic area with passive surveillance Located along the desire line from adjacent bikeways Weather protected, by siting racks under existing structures or installing free-standing structures * Applies predominantly to short-term parking Illustrations edited from: Essentials of Bike Parking Revision 1.0, September 2015
How Much Parking? We ask businesses to self-assess whether they provide sufficient and safe parking. We have provided guidelines to help assess parking requirements for your business. (adapted from the Downtown Halifax Land Use By-Law, 2015). Use Housing Accommodation General food sales or groceries Shops and Services Public Institution, General Office, Banks, Medical Clinics, Institutional Uses, Government Buildings Auditoriums, Theatres, Stadiums, Halls, Churches Schools, Colleges, Universities Recreation Facilities, Community Centres, Libraries Commercial Parking Garages Any Uses Not Specified Above Bicycle Parking Requirement 0.5 spaces per dwelling unit 1 space for every 20 rooms (min. 2 spaces) 1 space per 150 sq. m. (min 2 spaces) 1 space per 300 sq m. gross floor area. (min 2 spaces) 1 space per 500 sq m. gross floor area (min 2 spaces) 1 space for every 20 seats 1 space per 250 sq. m. gross floor area 1 space per 200 sq. m. gross floor area 5% of motor vehicle parking provided (min 6 spaces) 1 space per 500 sq.m gross floor area (min 2 spaces) Other Amenities Bike Repair Stand or Station A Bike Repair Stand (graphic for repair stand) holds a bicycle off the floor, allowing cyclists to easily work on parts that are harder to access such as the derailleur, chain, and cassette. A stand is essential for many major repairs and adjustments and is a big help when cleaning the bicycle s drivetrain. A Bicycle Repair Station combines a Bike Repair Stand with a Bike Repair Kit, such as bike Fix-it stands (graphic for repair station) Bike Cleaning Station A bike cleaning station or area provides a space for cyclists to clean off the dirt and grease that have accumulated on their bicycle. This space should include rags, degreaser, and a water hose. It is most ideal to provide a bike cleaning station/area in addition to a Bike Repair Stand and Bike Repair Kit. Bike Repair Kit A bike repair kit includes all the essential tools to perform basic maintenance on a bicycle. For the NS Bicycle Friendly Certification, this includes the following. (with graphic of each) - Presta/Shrader compatible bike pump (floor pump recommended) - Allen key set - Adjustable wrench (X2) - Chain lube - Tire lever set - Tire patches - Slotted screwdriver - Phillips screwdriver
CERTIFICATION Program development funded by Program delivered by Apply online at bikefriendlyns.ca For application help email admin.staff@bicycle.ns.ca