Washington, DC – September 14, 2011 – The League of American
Bicyclists announced a new round of Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC)
designations that includes 11 new communities at the Interbike
Expo in Las Vegas, Nev. "The League congratulates all of our BFC winners
for implementing successful, long term bicycle plans and programs that
provide quality of life improvements for their citizens," said League
President Andy Clarke. "Cities are choosing investment in bicycling,
even in tough economic times, as a key to building the places people
want to live, work and visit." There are now 190 BFCs in 46 states.
We are proud of the roadmap that the Bicycle Friendly Community program
provides for communities to build strong BFCs," said Bill Nesper,
Director of the League's Bicycle Friendly America program. "We are
especially pleased to see so many communities improving their award
level." New Orleans, La. has seen its number of bike commuters increase
by more than 150% in the last five years. The city, which had received
Honorable Mentions in three previous rounds, implemented the feedback we
provided and received the bronze designation this time. New Orleans was
recognized for their large biking population, bicycling education
programs, a bicycling network that has tripled in length in the last
three years and the strong bike culture seen in events like the NOLA
Bike Bash.
2011 Fall Bicycle Friendly Community Winners
11 communities were awarded the BFC designation for the first time:
Bronze level: Conway, Ark., Goshen, Ind., New Orleans, La., Omaha, Neb.,
Reno Sparks Nev., Saint Paul, Minn., Santa Fe, N.M., Sheboygan, Wis.,
Shorewood, Wis., The Woodlands, Texas, West Windsor, N.J.
About the Bicycle Friendly America Program
The BFC award recognizes a community's commitment to improving
conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion,
education programs, infrastructure and pro bicycling policies. The BFC
program is revolutionizing the way communities evaluate their quality of
life, sustainability and transportation networks, while allowing them
to benchmark their progress and work toward improving their bicycle
friendliness. The application to become a BFC is rigorous and an
educational tool in itself. The renewal process and four levels of the
award – platinum, gold, silver and bronze – provide a clear incentive
for communities to continuously improve.
The BFC program recognizes communities that promote bicycling and
provides technical assistance in the form of a roadmap to help cities
build great communities for bicycling. The League has identified
projects, policies, programs and plans that most effectively improve
cycling conditions and make up the foundation of a bicycle friendly
community. All of these bicycle friendly elements are clearly described
in the League's Bicycle Friendly America: The Blueprint. Communities are
using these building blocks.
To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness
and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a
bicycle friendly America. The League represents the interests of
America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and
affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit
www.bikeleague.org.
