Cycling is an excellent way to incorporate exercise into daily work and leisure routines. As our communities become more integrated, businesses can engage growing demographic of cyclists by providing bike-parking—which can expand an existing customer base and improve employee satisfaction.

Here are 7 reasons why your commercial space needs to be bike friendly.

1. The numbers

See those bikers riding by your storefront? If you don’t have adequate accommodations, they’ll keep on riding. Bike commuting and bicycle tourism are growing trends among North America’s largest urban centers. Not only are riders more likely to frequent local businesses, but with all the money they save on gas, maintenance and parking, they’re also more willing to spend. Bike parking is a tried and tested way to attract customers and boost revenue.

2. Community engagement

North American cities are becoming more integrated, encouraging a range of alternative modes for transportation. But there’s only so much that public support can offer. Businesses play a huge role in shaping the culture and lifestyles in their local neighborhoods. From supporting reduced carbon emissions and healthier lifestyles, businesses can demonstrate strong leadership in supporting proper infrastructure.

3. Cultivate your image

Image is everything for businesses. Cycling is progressive and forward looking, and supporting it can enhance an innovative brand. Standard bike parking is a start, but consider allocating space indoors for more protected storage, or setting up an on-street bike station with tire pumps, tools, and watering station.

4. Healthy & happy employees

Cycling is a vigorous cardiovascular activity that helps keep people active and healthy, reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Energetic exercise has also been proven to improve mental health and support creativity. Happy, healthy employees take fewer sick days and are more productive. Encouraging healthy lifestyles through cycling is a win-win situation for managers and employees.

5. Increase parking capacity at little cost

Motor-vehicle parking can require some serious real estate, not to mention adequate road access. Bikes are more versatile and take up much less space, which means more opportunities to integrate accommodations into a commercial space. A single bike rack can offer parking for multiple bikes in a convenient location with prime access to a building entrance.

6. Optimize space

Without proper infrastructure, business-owners might find cyclists parking in un-wanted spaces, chaining their bikes to trees, fences, railings or other site furnishings. This can lead to damage or obstructions to pedestrian or road traffic. Preemptive planning ensures more efficient use of space to accommodate a greater range of uses.

7. Community support

With growing popularity comes greater support. Many community programs offer assistance for businesses looking to increase bike parking at their locations. Community groups and government representatives can help plan—and in some situations, may even offer free hardware and installation.