That is the response BikeNet member Marv Anderson got when he approached Candy Town at 820 Shiloh Crossing Boulevard last October to provide a bike rack at their store. Just a month later, a new bike rack provided by The Spoke Shop now greets cyclists at Candy Town. “We appreciate your members letting us know when you want something,” said Amy Pawlowski, owner of Candy Town. “We want to accommodate people,” she added.

Marv has been busy advocating for other bike racks around Billings. Last month, Marv approached several businesses on the West End which are adjacent or near bike lanes and asked them to install bike racks. “It would send a very positive message to the biking community, and it would be good for business with not much of a monetary outlay,” explained Marv.

In addition to Candy Town, Marv asked the City Brew at Shiloh Crossing, which is now considering the request, and the Walgreens at 3333 Grand Ave. This store is just a few feet from the bike trail on Zimmerman Trail. With no bike racks or any place to lock a bike securely, “I had to bring my bike into the store… but last time I did I was told I couldn’t because it’s against store policy,” Marv explains.

Marv’s story shows how BikeNet members can effectively make great strides in promoting bicycling and walking facilities in Billings. Together, we have a stronger voice: “I wonder if other BikeNet members would consider emailing them on this subject,” Marv asks.

If you would like to join Marv in getting a bike rack in front of the Walgreen’s at 3333 Grand Ave, please send a request to: https://www.walgreens.com/mktg/contactus/contact-us-forms.jsp?tier3Id=1080

Here is a sample note which may be copied and pasted into the comment box:

Your store is conveniently located in a neighborhood, and would be easy to ride a bike for quick trips to pick up prescriptions, greeting cards, a carton of milk, etc; however, there are no bike racks in front of your store and no place to lock a bike securely, anywhere in the vicinity.  Your store policy is that bikes are not allowed in the store, so please INSTALL A BIKE RACK in front of your store.  Providing healthy alternatives to driving, such as walking or riding a bike for short trips, seems that it would fit nicely within your company’s mission “To be the most trusted, CONVENIENT multichannel provider and advisor of innovative pharmacy, health and wellness solutions, and consumer goods and services in communities across America. A DESTINATION where health and happiness come together to help people get well, stay well and live well.”

Thank you