Bike Friendly New York
Launched in 2017, Bike Friendly New York (BFNY) is a bicycle friendly business certification program administered by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) and the New York State Canal Corporation. BFNY aims to recognize and promote businesses that provide special accommodations for bicyclists. A wide range of businesses can apply for bike-friendly certification, including restaurants and bars, lodging, shops, and museums. BFNY was conceived with businesses located along the statewide Erie Canalway Trail (ECT) in mind; however, eligible businesses across New York may apply and be certified.
Download and print a copy of our Bike Friendly New York Certified Business List brochure to take along with you on your ride along the Erie Canalway Trail.
Going the Extra Mile
What does it mean when you see the Bike Friendly New York logo outside of a business? It depends on the business. Above all, bike friendly businesses value cyclists as customers. They strive to meet the unique needs of cyclists.
To become certified as a Bike Friendly New York business, establishments must meet simple requirements. Beyond the basics, there are a wide range of ways that businesses serve cyclists.
To become certified as a Bike Friendly New York business, the establishment MUST:
- Have a physical location, which is open to the general public and has hours of operation clearly posted at the location and/or online.
- Be located near, and easily accessible from, a greenway trail (businesses must select the trail on which they are located: Erie Canalway Trail, Champlain Canalway Trail, or Other).
- Have an identified parking area for bicycles.
- Businesses must select from the following choices:
- Public bike rack
- Bike parking area in front of business
- Covered and secure bike parking
- Other
Requirements by Business Category
Accommodations
- Must offer one-night stays
- Describe how guests can securely store their bikes overnight
- Must offer 2/5 of the following amenities:
- Complementary lock for bikes to use while at the business or allow trail users to bring bikes/gear inside
- Trail map displayed – On wall or hand-out copies (either have displayed currently or be willing to display a trail map. All BFNYs will receive a map of the Empire State Trail when certified)
- Ability to receive items that guests ship to them or to ship items for guests
- Provides discounts to cyclists/trail users
- Has a bike multi-tool, patch kit, tire levers, or bike pump on hand
Camping Services
- Must offer one-night stays
- Must have a reserved space for cyclists without advance reservation required
- Describe how to make reservations
- Must offer 2/5 of the following amenities:
- Public WiFi
- Public electric charging available for devices (USB plugin locations work great)
- Public bathroom
- Provides discounts to cyclists/trail users
- Has a bike multi-tool, patch kit, tire levers, or bike pump on hand
Food & Drink Service
- Must have menu posted outside and/or online
- At least one menu option available:
- Vegetarian, vegan or other non-meat options
- Local food/drinks
- Energy bars or quick bites to-go
- Other
- Must offer 1/4 of the following amenities:
- Provide discounts to cyclists/trail users
- Fill up reusable water bottles for free
- Restroom available for customers
- Public charging available for electronic devices
Bike Shops
- Must have free tire-filling/repair tools available
- Must have at least one of the following:
- Rent bikes
- Provide bicycle shipping services
- Other
- Must offer 1/3 of the following amenities:
- Trail map displayed – On wall or hand-out copies (either have displayed currently or be willing to display a trail map. All BFNYs will receive a map of the Empire State Trail when certified)
- Public WiFi
- Public bathroom
Attractions (Museums, Galleries & other points of interest)
- Must offer 2/7 of the following amenities:
- Provide discounts to cyclists/trail users
- Public charging available for electronic devices
- Trail map displayed – On wall or hand-out copies (either have displayed currently or be willing to display a trail map. All BFNYs will receive a map of the Empire State Trail when certified)
- Fill up reusable water bottles for free
- Public bathroom
- Public WiFi
- Ability to ship items that customers purchase
Retail
- Must offer 1/5 of the folllowing amenities:
- Ability to ship items that customers purchase
- Provide discounts to cyclists/trail users
- Public bathroom
- Public charging available for electronic devices
- Public WiFi
Welcome and Information Services
- Frontline staff must be able to provide directions to/information about the trail and know about other Bike Friendly NY businesses in the community
- Must offer 2/4 of the following amenities:
- Public charging available for electronic devices
- Public WiFi
- Public bathroom
- Trail map displayed – On wall or hand-out copies (either have displayed currently or be willing to display a trail map. All BFNYs will receive a map of the Empire State Trail when certified)
Get Certified as a Bike Friendly New York Business
Bicycling is the second most popular outdoor activity in the U.S., and an increasing number of people are seeking out new places to ride, whether for an afternoon or a week-long vacation. Bike tourists need food and a place to stay, and they spend moneyon gas and souvenirs. They are looking to experience the places they visit, in a real way.
How to Get Certified
- Review program requirements
- Fulfill required criteria and bike friendly amenities or services for your business category
- Complete the online application
- Your application will be reviewed and you may be contacted with further questions
- Receive your certification packet, and put up your BFNY decal (and optional signage)
There is no cost to participate in the BFNY program. Certification is good for three years. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
All BFNY-certified businesses will receive a window decal and have the option to purchase durable exterior signage.
Apply Now
Find Out More
Contact Parks & Trails New York with questions at canaltrail@ptny.org.
