Local Business Toolkit

How to Attract More Customers Without Relying on More Parking

A Quick Guide for Downtown San Jose Businesses

Downtown San Jose is becoming more walkable, bikeable, and transit-connected. More people walking or riding means more foot traffic and more sales for your business.

You don’t need to wait for big city changes to start benefiting. With just a few easy steps, you can make your business more accessible, welcoming, and visible to everyone, no matter how they get here.

What Your Business Can Do Right Now

Show customers it’s easy to get here without a car

Add transit or bike directions to your Google profile or Instagram bio;
Provide discounts for customers who arrive by walking, biking, or taking public transit;
Use our free sign and social media templates to promote walking, biking, and transit access by highlighting nearby bike racks, Baywheels docks, and scooters apps, or the nearest VTA bus and light rail stops.

Join the movement for flexible, customer-friendly curb use

Partner with your neighbors to create a shared pickup/drop-off zone, shared valet program, or loading zone.
Host a mini outdoor event, sidewalk sale, or patio extension to activate the outdoor space near your business.
Consider implementing a curb-side pick-up service for customers.
Get featured in SPOT SJ communications as a business that’s leading the way, or work with us to get earned local media promoting your unique perspective.

Seek additional resources and support

Request additional bike parking from San Jose Department of Transportation
Learn more about parking reform strategies from other cities and businesses, included in our resource guide, to get inspired
Join the San Jose Downtown Association Business Committee to connect with your neighbors and learn from each other about best practices

PRO TIP

Use this tool to optimize your curb space.

Streetmix can help you discover what your street could look like.

Create a Parklet

City of San José Parklet Program:
- Permit Application Form for Parklet / Sidewalk Seating
- Program Regulations / Instructions
- Insurance requirements
- Openair Dining Disability ADA Access Considerations
- Para obtener información o asistencia en español, comuníquese con Jose Oropeza al 408-793-6905.

Pictured: SoFa District Parklet on 1st Street

Pedestrian, Bike, and Transit Access

VTA Community Partnerships and Resources: Reach out to VTA [email protected] to explore potential ways to collaborate and explore their Parking Design resources page.
BayWheels Dock Map and Bikeshare for All Program: Bay Wheels is proud to offer reduced-rate memberships to Bay Area residents who qualify for CalFresh, SFMTA Lifeline Pass, or PG&E CARE. The first year is $5, and then it’s $5/month after that. No annual commitment required.
Bike Parking Installation Requests: Request free bike parking installation from the City

Pictured: Post Street Pedestrian Mall

Plug-and-Play Templates

We’ve made it easy to start:

Printable window signs (bike-friendly, transit access)
Social media graphics
Website text for your “Getting Here” or Contact page
Google Maps blurb with walking/biking directions

Need a hand using these? Just ask, and we’ll walk you through it.

Pictured: Santana Row

More Resources

San José Downtown Association (SJDA) is a phenomenal resource for well-rounded support and promotion for your business.

ParkSJ connects your patrons with 90 minutes of free parking at five city garages throughout downtown with live availability data.

Encourage your customers to download the Parknav app to find available on-street parking if the ParkSJ garages are not convenient.

Parking Reform Network is a national network of people interested in parking reforms — its site has a ton of information if you’re feeling eager to learn more.

Ready to Get Started?

This guide is just the beginning. Reach out to the SPOT SJ team ([email protected]) to get personalized help and to request materials.

Download a PDF of this toolkit.

Let’s make downtown San José the easy, exciting choice for everyone – no matter how they get here.

This toolkit was made possible by support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Sponsor

SPOT SJ is made possible through a generous grant from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

More Information About SPOT SJ in Downtown San Jose

Local Business Toolkit

How to Attract More Customers Without Relying on More Parking

A Quick Guide for Downtown San Jose Businesses

What Your Business Can Do Right Now

Show customers it’s easy to get here without a car

Join the movement for flexible, customer-friendly curb use

Seek additional resources and support

PRO TIP

Create a Parklet

Pedestrian, Bike, and Transit Access

Plug-and-Play Templates

More Resources

Ready to Get Started?

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More Information About SPOT SJ in Downtown San Jose

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Local Business Toolkit

How to Attract More Customers Without Relying on More Parking

A Quick Guide for Downtown San Jose Businesses

What Your Business Can Do Right Now

Show customers it’s easy to get here without a car

Join the movement for flexible, customer-friendly curb use

Seek additional resources and support

PRO TIP

Create a Parklet

Pedestrian, Bike, and Transit Access

Plug-and-Play Templates

More Resources

Ready to Get Started?

Sponsor

More Information About SPOT SJ in Downtown San Jose

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