slo farmers marketFor many residents, riding a bicycle downtown on a Thursday evening and parking it at the secure Bike Valet is part of their weekly trip to the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market.

Since 2007, the free weekly service has been subsidized by Bike SLO County’s general fund. Due to significant staffing, equipment and volunteer recruitment costs associated with program, Bike SLO County always intended to find grant funding to help with long-term sustainability. With approximately 50 markets each year operating from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., costs add up quickly.

Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market and Bike SLO County are proud to announce new grant funding from Coastal Community Builders. The local development company has graciously approved an application for funding to ensure that Bike Valet at the market will continue to be offered to the public every week at The Market. Coastal Community Builders has been known to fund local programs that improve the community, encourage collaboration among organizations and have ongoing impact.

“The Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market embodies all three of those characteristics,” said Dominic Tartaglia, executive director of the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association. “Bike SLO County and the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market have consistently encouraged locals to live a healthy lifestyle with fresh and local produce, live entertainment and an opportunity to ride to the market and get some exercise.” The two organizations have worked lock step for years to make sure that guests can leave their bikes with attendants at the Bike Valet while they shop and dine at local booths. It is estimated that over 3,000 bikes are valeted each year.

“Providing secure bike parking for SLO Farmer’ Market is an incredibly easy way to reduce traffic and parking congestion during the busiest night in downtown every week,” said Dan Rivoire, executive director of Bike SLO County. “Since 2007, we’ve parked over 40,000 bikes. Just think of all the open parking spaces, calories burned and pounds of carbon pollution reduced. We’re proud to help locals and visitors live happy, healthy and traffic-free lives.”