Bicycle Friendly Business

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application due?

Applications submitted by June 20, 2013 will be considered for a Fall 2013 designation. There are two application deadlines per year, one in January and the other in June.

Who can apply for Bicycle Friendly Business designation?

The Bicycle Friendly Business program welcomes applications from any business, corporation, organization, association, government agency, 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. However, a businesses with multiple locations must apply per location. i.e EPA, Washington DC Headquarter Office.

Is my business ready to apply?

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

Who in the business should complete the 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.

Please be certain that the leaders of the business (for example the CEO, CFO, CSR) are consulted before applying.

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 and a formal national press announcement. Awardees will also be profiled on the League website and be featured in the Bicycle Friendly America Annual Yearbook.

What if our business has multiple locations?

A business with multiple locations may submit a Bicycle Friendly Business application by selecting the Multiple Location application when logging in. Only businesses located in the US will be considered.

Why should my business apply for the Bicycle Friendly designation?

When bicycling is infused in 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.

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.

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 environment.

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 Bicycles we are able to waive all application and renewal fees.

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. Then complete and submit the application on-line. Applicants can save partially completed applications and return to complete it at a later date using their login code.

How many years is the designation applicable?

The BFB designation is given on a four 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 each application and considers feedback from cyclists in the workplace and local bicycle advocacy groups in order to determine an organization’s level of recognition. Qualifying organizations are then awarded Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze status.

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.