ROCKLAND — Starting this June, look for Bicycle Benefits decals in your local shop window to see if they are participating in this fun and exciting program.

Bicycle Benefits is an existing national program where participating businesses offer discounts and offers to participating bicyclists. The program is an easy, low-cost way for businesses and the community to show their support for healthy living, sustainability and bicycling. In exchange, participating businesses are featured in a national online map.

Renew Rockland, in an effort to promote bicycling culture and benefits, met with local businesses in March to introduce and explain the program. This local advocacy organization has helped to sign-up interested businesses and has also donated the first few kits. In addition to the existing national map, Renew Rockland has plans to develop a local map for bicyclists which will feature information such as preferred bicycling routes, water refill spots and bike-friendly Bicycle Benefits businesses.

Renew Rockland is pleased to announce (and thank!) the first round of businesses who have signed-up to participate in the Bicycle Benefits program: RHEAL Day Spa, 3 Crow, Clementine, Hello Hello Books, the Grasshopper Shop, Maine Country Home, The Curator, The Wine Seller, Rock City Café and Friends of Maine Coastal Islands.

If you are interested in signing up to the program, please get in touch with Renew Rockland. More info about the program can be found at the Bicycle Benefits website: bb2. bicyclebenefits.org. Renew Rockland's mission is to promote sustainable economic growth and a healthy community by educating on the importance of protecting our natural resources, encouraging green infrastructure, renewable technology, energy efficiency, and ending our dependence on fossil fuels.

Please email renewrocklandme@gmail.com for more information or visit our facebook page: facebook.com/renewthemidcoast.