Criteria
Please review these requirements and suggested additional services before registering.
Note: All registered locations are subject to the Ontario By Bike Network’s Terms of Assessments, Exclusions and Other Considerations. By registering a location with the Ontario By Bike Network, you understand and accept this terms. Click here view the Terms of Assessments, Exclusions and Other Considerations.
Accommodation providers include: hotels, inns, motels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, hostels and other private accommodation locations that may be used by cycle tourists
Obligatory/Minimum Requirements
- Covered and secure bike storage area
- Location must operate a stand-alone website that includes tourism information about the area. Locations listed exclusively on AirBnB or VRBO or similar short-term rental websites are not permitted (bookings can be processed through short-term rental site, but landing page must be location’s own website).
- Cycling information, including any published cycling route maps (if there are no cycling maps for the area, access to Internet-connected computer)
- Staff able to direct cyclists to information on cycling routes in immediate area, local bike shops and hours, bicycle rental and tour operators, weather reports
- Basic bicycle repair toolset (see in Participants Tool Kit, Appendix A; or online)
- Healthy, local food and beverage options, if served on-site
- Assistance with Ontario By Bike Network evaluation whenever possible, including informing the Network of the number of room nights sold to cycle tourists, and inviting cyclists to review the accommodation
- All frontline staff informed of participation in Ontario By Bike Network, and above services and amenities
- And any additional requirements as may be established through consultation
Obligatory/Minimum Requirements
- Secure daytime bike lock-up area, such as bicycle stands or posts for bike parking in most visible location possible
- Cycling information, including any published cycling route maps (if there are no cycling maps for the area, access to Internet-connected computer)
- Staff able to direct cyclists to information on cycling routes in immediate area, local bike shops and hours, bicycle rental and tour operators, weather reports
- Basic bicycle repair toolset (see in Participants Tool Kit, Appendix A; or online)
- Healthy, local food and beverage options, if served on-site
- Assistance with Ontario By Bike Network evaluation whenever possible, including informing the Network of the number of nights stayed by cycle tourists, and inviting cyclists to review the campground accommodation
- All frontline staff informed of participation in Ontario By Bike Network, and above services and amenities
- And any additional requirements as may be established through consultation
Food service providers include: restaurants, cafes, food shops and stops that may be used by cycle tourists
Obligatory/Minimum Requirements
- Healthy food options on menu
- Inclusion of local foods and specialities, whenever possible
- Secure daytime bike lock-up area in most visible location possible – preferably bicycle stands or posts for bike parking – or provisions for cyclists to bring bikes onto property (e.g., patio)
- Cycling information for region, if available, including any published cycling route maps
- Assistance with Ontario By Bike Network evaluation whenever possible, including informing the Network of the number of cycle tourists visiting the location, and inviting cyclists to review the location
- All frontline staff informed of participation in Ontario By Bike Network, and above services and amenities
- And any additional requirements as may be established through consultation
Tourist attractions include: museums, natural and heritage sites, destination attractions, visitor information centres, wineries, craft breweries, food and vendor markets (if open more than two days per week in same location), and other destination attractions that may be of interest to cycle tourists
Obligatory/Minimum Requirements
- Secure daytime bike lock-up area, such as bicycle stands or posts for bike parking in most visible location possible
- Access to washrooms (where possible), rest area (preferably covered) and water (either from a water fountain or by purchase from a concession stand)
- Cycling information for region, if available, including any published cycling route maps
- Healthy, local food and beverage options, if served on-site
- Assistance with Ontario By Bike Network evaluation whenever possible, including informing the Network of the number of cycle tourists visiting the location, and inviting cyclists to review the location
- All frontline staff informed of participation in Ontario By Bike Network, and above services and amenities
- And any additional requirements as may be established through consultation
Obligatory/Minimum Requirements
- Bicycle-Friendly Business Areas (BFBA) must submit the registration for the designation through a Business Improvement Area, Chamber of Commerce or similar association.
- At least five (5) applicable businesses participating and certified as bicycle friendly locations within the business area, including one in each of the categories – food services and attractions. The additional three participating businesses may be from any category.
- A certified bicycle-friendly accommodation located within a reasonable cycling distance away from the proposed business area (10km or less). If the certified accommodation is located within 3km of the business area, it can count towards the five participating businesses required for business area certification.
- Ample bike parking available within proposed business area.
- Allocation of (at least) one storefront location designated and clearly promoted as a Bike Welcome Centre, equipped with a bike repair station (see example) and up to date local cycling information and maps.
- Cycling infrastructure and/or signed route in and out of proposed business area.
- Dedicated webpage indicating the BFBA designation, listing certified bicycle-friendly business locations
- Participating locations display Ontario By Bike Network Decal in visible locations.
- BFBA must be located within a region supporting the Ontario By Bike Network.
- Bicycle-Friendly Business Area champion(s) to outreach and promote Ontario By Bike Network to member businesses through distribution of the Business Outreach Kit.
- When hosting community events, additional bike parking or bike valet service is made available. Cycling promoted as an option to get to and from local events.
- Assistance with Ontario By Bike Network evaluation, including an annual Business Perception Survey of both participating and non-participating businesses.
- All association staff informed of participation in the Ontario By Bike Network, the Bicycle-Friendly Business Area designation and above services and amenities
If your business provides services to cyclists (e.g., bike shop, service, tours, rentals), please use this category. If your business or organization is interested in participating in the Ontario By Bike Network and does not fall into any of the other categories listed, please contact us by email or phone to discuss possible inclusions and to offer any additional information.
Obligatory/Minimum Requirements
There are no certification criteria at present
Suggested Additional Services
- Display of Ontario By Bike Network decal
- All frontline staff informed of participation in Ontario By Bike Network
Terms:
Note: All registered locations are subject to the Ontario By Bike Network’s Terms of Assessments, Exclusions and Other Considerations. By registering a location with the Ontario By Bike Network, you understand and accept this terms. Click here view the Terms of Assessments, Exclusions and Other Considerations