The League of American Bicyclists recognized Fitchburg Family Pharmacy with a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning it a place alongside over 1,400 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America. The Bicycle Friendly Business award recognizes an organization’s contributions in shifting up and accelerating the movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.
Based on his own love of biking, Owner/Pharmacist Thad Schumacher staked out his identity as “the Cycling Pharmacist” early by offering delivery by bicycle. The store’s charity ride team, the Pill Peddlers, makes a big impact at local events like Move for Boys & Girls Club and serve as bicycle marshals for running events including the Berbee Derby each Thanksgiving Day and the marathon portion of Ironman Wisconsin each September. Fitchburg Family Pharmacy encourages bicycling for transportation by sponsoring the Fitchburg Chamber’s Bike the ‘Burg challenge and for recreation by sponsoring the family ride at the Fitchburg Festival of Speed. It offers the Bicycle Benefits retail discount program to customers arriving by bicycle.
“I believe in the power of bicycles to improve health, protect the environment, and provide fun for all ages and abilities, and my hope is to share that belief with as many folks as possible through my business,” says Schumacher. “The regional recognition of our independent pharmacy through our support of biking is just a bonus.”
As part of the BFB network, Fitchburg Family Pharmacy will have access to a variety of tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more welcoming to people who bike. When customers and neighbors bike, great things happen. They feel better, have more energy, are less susceptible to chronic diseases like obesity and hypertension, and, ironically, may have less need for prescription medications!
To learn more about the BFB program, or to apply, visit the League online at bikeleague.org/business. To learn more about Bike Month, visit bikeleague.org/bikemonth.