Cycling organization rolls out national Bicycle Benefits program

August 6, 2026 - 01:51

A new initiative aimed at getting more people on bikes while boosting local shops has officially kicked off in Sioux Falls. The program, called Bicycle Benefits, is now active in the city, marking the start of a broader national rollout. The concept is simple: riders purchase a small helmet sticker for a few dollars, and that sticker acts as a pass to discounts at participating businesses across the city. Shops that sign up offer anywhere from ten to twenty percent off to anyone wearing the sticker.

The local cycling organization behind the launch says the goal is twofold. First, it wants to make biking a more attractive daily option for commuters and casual riders alike. Second, it hopes to create a stronger connection between cyclists and the independent stores they pass on their routes. Unlike a typical loyalty card, the sticker works at any participating location, from coffee shops and bike repair stands to bookstores and restaurants. There is no app to download and no points to track.

Business owners in Sioux Falls have responded well so far. Several have already posted signs in their windows welcoming the program. Organizers point out that the cost of entry is low for both riders and merchants, which makes it easy for small operations to join without much risk. They are also planning to work with local employers to promote the program as a workplace perk, encouraging staff to bike to work and then use the discount during lunch breaks.

The rollout in Sioux Falls is being treated as a model for other midsized cities. If the sticker program gains traction here, the organization expects to expand it to several more communities over the next year. For now, riders can pick up their stickers at a handful of local bike shops and at the organization's own office. The hope is that the sight of the bright sticker on a helmet will become a common one around town by summer.