League Of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community
The League of American Bicyclists is an organization that aims to promote and protect cycling as a means of transportation, recreation, and fitness. It was established in 1880 and is the oldest advocacy organization dedicated to the bicycling community in the United States.
What is a Bicycle Friendly Community?
A Bicycle Friendly Community is a city, town, or community that has made significant efforts to accommodate and encourage bicycling as a means of transportation. The League of American Bicyclists has developed a Bicycle Friendly Community program that recognizes communities that have demonstrated a commitment to bicycling.
The program evaluates communities based on five categories: infrastructure, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation and planning. The evaluation process includes an application and review by a team of experts in the field of bicycling.
How to Become a Bicycle Friendly Community
To become a Bicycle Friendly Community, a city, town, or community must apply for recognition through the League of American Bicyclists website. The application requires detailed information about the community's efforts to accommodate and encourage bicycling.
The application is reviewed by a team of experts in the field of bicycling, who evaluate the community's efforts based on the Bicycle Friendly Community program's five categories. The evaluation process includes an on-site visit to the community.
Once the community's efforts have been evaluated, the League of American Bicyclists assigns a Bicycle Friendly Community designation. The designation is valid for four years, after which the community must reapply for recognition.
Benefits of a Bicycle Friendly Community Designation
A Bicycle Friendly Community designation can bring many benefits to a city, town, or community. The designation can attract tourists and businesses, boost property values, and improve the overall health and well-being of residents.
Additionally, the designation can lead to increased funding for bicycling infrastructure and programs, as well as increased awareness and support for bicycling in the community.
Examples of Bicycle Friendly Communities
There are currently over 480 Bicycle Friendly Communities in the United States. Some notable examples include:
- Boulder, Colorado - Platinum designation
- Portland, Oregon - Platinum designation
- Austin, Texas - Gold designation
- Bozeman, Montana - Silver designation
- Madison, Wisconsin - Platinum designation
Conclusion
The League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly Community program recognizes cities, towns, and communities that have made significant efforts to accommodate and encourage bicycling. The program evaluates communities based on infrastructure, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation and planning.
A Bicycle Friendly Community designation can bring many benefits to a community, including increased tourism, property values, and overall health and well-being. There are currently over 480 Bicycle Friendly Communities in the United States, with notable examples including Boulder, Portland, Austin, Bozeman, and Madison.