Local businesses offer discounts for bike riders
BUFFALO, N.Y. - Lately, a trip to the pump means seeing gas prices a little higher than they were the day before.
"I think we're really going to see people starting to change their behavior and really think about what other ways they can get around," said Justin Booth, executive director of Green Buffalo. Booth is encouraging people to consider using a bicycle as a way to commute and do errands.
He's one of the people behind a program called Bicycle Benefits, a national program that first came to the Queen City three years ago. This May, however, Booth says Green Buffalo plans to increase outreach efforts.
The program allows participants to buy stickers for their helmets that allow them to get discounts at local businesses. The stickers cost $5.00 and are sold at any participating business location; another option is to join Green Buffalo for $25.00, and get a sticker for free.
"Think about date night, whether you're going with your kids or your spouse, being able to go out for ice cream, being able to go out to a local show at a theater, being able to go out to dinner," said Booth.
See a list of businesses joining Green Buffalo in their effort
Currently, Booth says there are only about 100 people taking advantage of the program. May is National Bike Month, and Booth says he plans to highlight a new business discount each day as a way to increase participation.