Bikers get benefits at the University of Washington

Through a partnership with the national program Bicycle Benefits, campus bicycle riders at the University of Washington, in Seattle, can get 10% off their purchases at two campus foodservice locations, District Market and Husky Grind Cafe. Students who display a Bicycle Benefits sticker on their helmets—purchased for $5—receive the discount at the participating locations throughout the year.

Bicycle Benefits is a national program that encourages the use of bicycles for transportation in order to increase physical activity while reducing congestion, pollution and noise.

Washington started its promotional program in November 2013, and “the student feedback has been positive,” says Jeremiah Trammell, administrator, markets/coffee roasting. “We hear that our program is one of the larger discounts offered through this program and [students] quickly get a return on their investment.”

Trammell and his team use multiple marketing outlets to promote the program on campus, including signage at the point of sale, at participating location entrances, on the campus bike trail and through social media. “This program is picking up slowly, but steadily,” Trammell says. “The District Market continues to increase its orders [of stickers]. We like that this program encourages helmet safety and rewards customers who reduce their carbon footprint.”

Students also can show their Bicycle Benefits helmet stickers at participating off-campus retail locations to receive discounts.