Bicycle Friendly Business

Bicycle Garage Indy/BGI Fitness| Gold Level

Business Highlights: All three locations (two retail locations and one warehouse location) have showers and secure bicycle parking for employees including bicycle lockers at BGI North. Staff is encouraged to bike to work through the BGI Green Team Bicycle Commuting Incentive Program which pays employees $0.15/mile for commuting, payable in BGI gift cards. The incentive is doubled during National Bike Month and rewards those who participate in Bike to Work Day rides. BGI also sponsors the BTWD Corporate Challenge.

Most Compelling Statistics: Twenty four of BGI's 75 employees participated in bike commuting during 2009 National Bicycle Month when company incentive was doubled. Since the BGI Green Team Bicycle Commuting Incentive Program started in March 2008, BGI employees have biked more than 43,000 miles (through September 2009) saving 1722 gallons of gasoline. One employee, Mark Degunya, has biked over 9000 miles and another employee, Toby Holsman, has biked over 600 trips.

Most Compelling Bicycle Related Accomplishment: BGI is very involved with local advocacy efforts, working with city officials and others on the League of American Bicycle Friendly Community Award application for the city of Indianapolis. The city of Indianapolis recently was awarded a Bronze Level BFC Award. BGI also lends support to the Hoosier Mountain Bike Association and Indiana BikePort.

Benefits of the Business being Bicycle Friendly: While bicycle parking and showers make it possible for employees to commute by bike, the BGI commuter incentive really has spurred people to make the effort. Many employees strive to be in the monthly Top 5 commuter list, which gives them bragging rights. Everyone looks forward to their commuter gift cards, it's one of the most popular employee benefits. BGI's involvement with bicycle advocacy in the community at large has given the company more recognition not only as a leader in the bicycle retail business but also in the community.