Bicycle Friendly Community

Burlington, VT | Silver Level

Community Highlights: Burlington is the hub for a large and vibrant regional biking community. There is an underlying focus on bicycling in nearly every aspect of our city: a wide variety of city plans recognize the importance of bicycling, a wide variety of entrepreneurs have developed bicycle-specific businesses, community events have a bicycle focus, and Burlington has a very strong advocacy movement that works collaboratively to improve all aspects of bicycling. There also is tremendous volunteer citizen support for bicycle advocacy and events. Volunteers staff Valet Bike Parking at events, work at Bike Recycle Vermont to repair/rehabilitate bicycles for low-income residents, respond to advocacy calls to contact City Council members and City Staff to improve biking facilities, and attend public meetings to ensure bike accommodations are included in the design of new projects and in corridor studies.

Most Significant Recent Accomplishment: Burlington developed its first complete street along a primary corridor between downtown Burlington and the neighboring City of Winooski. The road diet was very well received by the community.

Best Result of Designation: The BFC designation highlighted improvements that are still needed and that are recommended by the BFC committee in order for Burlington to progress to a higher award level. The community and decision-makers can see that specific, targeted investments will result in significant, recognizable improvements to their transportation system.