FAQs

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 located in the United States. 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.

Who in the business should complete the application ?

We encourage each business to determine who will complete the on-line application. To complete the most comprehensive application, the applicant should be aware of all aspects of the business's bicycle-related activities and efforts. We encourage the applicant to consult workplace cyclists to help advise on the business's true environment for cycling.

Completed BFB applications must include the approval signature of at least one of the business’s leaders for example the CEO, CFO, CSR officer, etc.

What type of visibilty does my Business recieve from the BFB award?

The League of American Bicyclists recognizes a newly designated Bicycle Friendly Business with an award presented at an arranged ceremony and a formal national press announcement. The BFB award is a beautiful piece of art from a unique series of prints by Taliah Lampert. Awardees will also be profiled on the League website.

Why would my Business apply for the Bicycle friendly designation?

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.

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.

is there an application or renewal fee?

No. Thanks to the generous support of the Bikes Belong Coalition and Trek we are able to waive all application fees.

When is the application due?

Applications submitted on or before January 16, 2009 will be considered for a March 2009 designation at the National Bike Summit. There are two application deadlines per year, one in January and the other in July.

Does my business need to be doing everything on the application in order to receive the award?

No. The completed application provides a detailed picture of a workplace. Award determination is based on the application score and the feedback from local cyclists.

how do businesses apply for the bfb designation?

Simply access the application and resources at bicyclefriendlybusiness.org. Next, consult workplace bicyclists for accurate information about the business’s current bicycling environment. Complete the application and submit on-line. Applicants can even save partially completed applications and return to complete it at a later date using their login code. Just be sure not to miss the deadline - August 15, 2008!

how many years is the designation applicable?

The BFB designation is given on a two year basis, after which time the business must reapply to maintain or improve their status. Businesses that do not maintain their cycling environment over the years may also lose their BFB status.

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.