Bicycle Friendly Business Application

Is your business Bicycle Friendly Ready ?

Use the BFB at a Glance Scorecard to find out if your business is ready to apply.

Click here to access the Bicycle Friendly Business application.

The pdf version is available here. Please note that applications must be submitted on-line to be eligible for award consideration.

When is the application due?

Applications submitted on or before January 15, 2010 will be considered for a March 2010 designation. There are two application deadlines per year, one in January and the other in July.

Who can apply for Bicycle Friendly Business Designation?

The Bicycle Friendly Business program welcomes applications from any business, corporation, organization, association, or nonprofit group with more than two employees. We encourage applications from large and small businesses with single or multiple locations. All of the business’s workplaces must be considered when completing the application.

Completed BFB applications must also include the approval signature of at least one of the business’s leaders.

What if our business has multiple locations?

We urge large businesses with multiple locations to first apply as a single location, ie Fluor-Greenville, SC or REI-Northbrook, IL. Any business with more than one location must give comprehensive detail on each to be considered for an award.

Why do Businesses apply for the Bicyle friendly designation?

When bicycling is infused an office or corporate culture, great things happen. People who are encouraged to bike-commute to and from work, run errands by bike, take a spin at lunchtime, or bicycle in their leisure time perform better at their jobs because they’re energized and alert.

Businesses that promote bicycling are recognized for being green and socially responsible. They are conscious of their carbon footprint, aware of their impact on the environment, and are willing to think and act creatively in order to improve the quality of life for employees, their families, and the greater community. A Bicycle Friendly Business attracts and retains employees, because people want to be part of a positive movement.

Studies have shown that people who lead an active lifestyle have significant lower costs for health care. Since employers typically pay a significant portion of health care costs, it benefits employers and the employees to promote healthy living. A healthy workforce also reduces the rate of absenteeism.

The Bicycle Friendly Business program also provides technical assistance on how to become more bicycle friendly. The program offers great resources to help improve a business’s bicycling accessibility, promotion and awareness within the workplace.

how are bfb awards designated?

A committee of specialists reviews and scores each application and considers feedback from cyclists in the workplace in order to determine an organization’s level of recognition. Qualifying organizations are then awarded platinum, gold, silver or bronze status. Awardees may complete a simple renewal form every two years to supplement their original application, highlight progress, increase their award level, and set new bicycle friendly goals.

The League’s Bicycle Friendly Business staff is available to provide assistance throughout the application process and will continue to work with awardees to implement bicycle friendly programs and practices. Organizations that do not yet meet the standards for a Bicycle Friendly Business award may also receive assistance in order to encourage improvements and earn program designation. Contact us at info@bicyclefriendlybusiness.org or 202.822.1333.