Stores hope discounts lure bike-riding customers

This sign welcomes customers at ReStore
on SE Morrison Street.
(Photo © J. Maus)

With public consciousness of high gas prices at all-time high and with a noticeable rise in bike traffic on Portland streets, some local businesses are flying their bike-friendly flags by offering special discounts to lure human-powered customers.

There are many businesses throughout Portland that offer special perks for their bike-riding clientele (who can forget the bike-thru window?). Here are two I’ve come across recently.

A sign of the times in
front of Sckavone’s on SE 41st
and Division.
(Photo: Greg Raisman)

The first is from Sckavone’s Restaurant at SE 41st and Division. Reader Greg Raisman sent in this photo of the sign outside their door. Looks like they’re offering a healthy 20% discount on Mondays and Tuesdays if you ride your bike.

I love the bit of added oomph given to their sign: “… for those who ride their bikes! Yeah!”

Biker discounts at restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops are nothing new, but I was surprised when I walked into ReStore (66 SE Morrison) — a re-used building supply and materials store — the other day and say this:

What I liked about the biker discount at ReStore is how the cardboard signs seemed so hastily put up; it was as if they were eager to capitalize on all the two-wheeled traffic they noticed on the bike lanes and streets around their store. I also liked the wording on the signs which included things like,

“Bike Riders get 10% off — so ride your bike here”

“Save Gas, Save Money, Look Sexy on your Bike”

“Ride in, Save $, Ride Home, Repeat”

“10% off — but only if you’re a Biker”

I guess they figure if you can carry a door or a few gallons of paint home on your bike you deserve a little discount.

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Have you noticed any other biker discounts in your neighborhood?

For more stories about local businesses that are friendly to bikes, check out the Bike Friendly Businesses archives.