League Announces 12 New Bicycle Friendly Communities

Cities Across the Country Making Positive Steps for Bicyclists

Twelve cities across the United States can celebrate the start of fall with the news that the League of American Bicyclists has awarded them the coveted designation of Bicycle Friendly Community. The award, given at levels from Bronze to Platinum, recognizes those communities that are improving conditions for bicyclists and bicycling.

Eight cities are awarded the BFC designation for the first time:
Silver
• Jackson, Wyo.

Bronze
• Carmel, Ind.
• Louisville, Ky.
• Roswell, Ga.
• St. Petersburg, Fla.
• Sacramento, Calif.
• San Jose, Calif.
• South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

Four communities successfully renewed their designation.
Silver
• Eugene, Ore.

Bronze
• Chandler, Ariz.
• Lawrence, Kan.
• Orlando, Fla.

“We salute these communities for their tremendous commitment to improving conditions for bicyclists,” said Andy Clarke, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “They are making the streets safer for bicycling, educating bicyclists and motorists to share the road, promoting a wide range of bicycling activities and even stepping up the enforcement of traffic laws to protect bicyclists.”

“One reason we are so pleased with this round of awards is that three of the new awards went to communities that re-submitted their applications,” Clarke said. “These communities took the advice of the League and its reviewers, applied it, and successfully created a bicycle friendly community!”

Notable features of this round of applications include:

Jackson, Wyo. has a fantastic master plan that outlines non-motorized modes-shift goals, the total number of paths and a complete streets guide for the entire county.

Carmel, Ind. took the League’s advice to heart during its first application. In the past two years it has made significant improvements, including raising $3.4 million for bicycling projects through a bond issue.

Louisville, Ky. has a bicycle master plan that is the envy of many cities, and has begun implementing it with pride. To see their aggressive plan for success, visit their Web site here: http://www.louisvilleky.gov/BikeLouisville/bikefriendly.htm

Roswell, Ga. spent almost $1.5 million on trails and paths for bicyclists and pedestrians during fiscal year 2006.

St. Petersburg, Fla. acquisitioned 2.1 miles of abandoned rail corridor to connect the popular Pinellas trail with downtown St. Petersburg. This acquisition was the result of a two-year effort.

Sacramento, Calif. constructed many new bike trails and lanes in newly developing areas of the city.

San Jose, Calif. invested $1.4 million in the River Oaks Bicyclist & Pedestrian Bridge in North San Jose, and the project was completed and opened in May 2006.

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. has a solid infrastructure of existing trails, and the funding to maintain them through public bonds. The city also has an active community bicycle advisory committee.

About the BFC Program & the League

The BFC program was initiated in 2003 and has received applications from more than 150 communities. Designations have been awarded to 63 cities and counties. Applicants complete a detailed on-line form with numerous questions in five key areas: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation/planning. Local cyclists, national experts, and League staff review the applications.

Return to top