If you had problems falling asleep last night, we can relate: We were pretty excited for the beginning of Bike to Work Week, too.
As part of the League of American Bicyclist’s 55th Annual “National Bike Month” initiative, Bike to Work Week runs from May 16-20. And while there are the usual slate of events, promos, contests and public service announcements that you’d expect from a program such as this, there’s a new partner on board this year that is turning some heads.
Amazon is celebrating National Bike Month by launching a Bike Commuter Store. The new page on their site lists everything a two-wheeled commuter needs to get to and from work, as well as bike-buying guides and items recommended by Amazon employees who bike to work themselves (although the recommended items are admittedly geared towards those with a rainy, Seattle-esque commute). The store doesn’t list anything you can’t normally find on Amazon, but it’s much better organized and helpful than their normal cycling page.
The fact that a major retailer is finally recognizing that bike commuters are a viable market is a good indicator that the continuing increase in bicycle commuting isn’t a fad that will die out soon, much to the disappointment of some people. Besides, it’s not like Amazon has a “car commuter store” (although it’s interesting to see what turns up when you search for one).
While nothing can take the place of a good local bike shop staffed by knowledgeable and friendly employees who can match you up with the best gear for your specific commute, not every community has one of those. For those of you who are thinking about biking to work for the first time this week and don’t have such a store nearby, the Bike Commuter Store may literally be a lifesaver.
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