Not every business owner would welcome a Lycra-clad guy in their lobby, but few in Portland, OR seem to mind Benn Schonman, a local signshop owner who prefers two tires to four.
Schonman began biking as a kid; after having learned the sign business at a vocational/technical school in Detroit Lakes, MN, he headed west to pedal-friendly Portland. Riding a few miles to repair and install signs was a natural fit. Although he attracted some stares, he says biking has helped his business, Schonman Sign boom. Local bike shops like hiring a fellow biker. Pedal Bike Tours contracted him when they needed signs or decals, and he has subsequently provided all of its signage.
Schonman’s bike trailer – outfitted with a sign for his shop – hauls up to 50 pounds, though he says he rarely carries more than 25. Much of his work comprises window, vinyl and wood signs. “I can easily carry everything I need, which consists of some liquid cleaners, some vinyl or paint and a squeegee. If we’re talking vinyl, it’s small quantities, border repair.”
Biking under Portland’s stormy skies means Schonman drives to some appointments, but only in “monsoons.” Plastic trash bags protect his gear from wind, rain and road dust.
Before you scoff at that lost 20 minutes, consider that Schonman pays for neither parking nor gas, and gets a decent workout, pedaling his Litespeed road bike an estimated 30 to 35 miles a week at work alone. He told BikePortland.org that he conducts 30 to 40% of his business by bike.
“When I look at how much of my business is within a five to seven-mile radius, it didn’t make sense to have to pay for parking and gas,” he said. “Portland is a very receptive town to cycling; it’s not unusual to see vendors cruising the area with bicycles.”