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Engineering
YES NO Does your community have a comprehensive, connected and well-maintained bicycling network?
A comprehensive, connected, and well-maintained bicycling network enables cyclists to get wherever they want to go through a mixture of on- and off-street accommodations.
YES NO Is bike parking readily available throughout the community?
Many Bicycle Friendly Communities are making efforts to increase availability of bike parking through requiring racks in new construction and even lowering parking minimums for businesses that offer bike parking.
YES NO Is there a Complete Streets ordinance or another policy that mandates the accommodation of cyclists on all road projects?
Complete Streets ordinances require that all modes of travel - including bicycles - be accommodated whenever a new road is constructed or an existing one is rebuilt. Learn more at completestreets.org.
 

Education
YES NO Is there a community-wide Safe routes to School program that includes bicycling education?
Safe Routes to School is a federal level funding program to encourage youth to bike and walk to school through infrastructure changes and education.
YES NO Are there bicycling education courses available for adults in the community?
The League offers the Smart Cycling program through League Certified Instructors in communities throughout the country. Find an instructor or class in your area!
YES NO Does your community educate motorists and cyclists on their rights and responsibilities as road users?
Much can and should be done to further educate motorists and cyclists on how to properly share the road. In addition to signage, communities are offering instruction through traffic ticket diversion programs and Public Service Announcements to name a few.
 

Encouragement
YES NO Does your community have an up-to-date bicycle map?
Bike maps are critical to safely navigating a community that doesn’t have a fully developed bike network and encouraging people to get to where they want to go by bike.
YES NO Does the community celebrate bicycling during national Bike month with community rides, Bike to Work Day or media outreach?
National Bike Month and Bike to Work Day are celebrated by hundreds of communities across the country. Learn more on how to promote these activities here.
YES NO Does the community host any major community cycling events or rides?
Community rides, large and small, are great ways to highlight new bike infrastructure and encourage new riders. Don’t forget to invite your community’s political leaders!
YES NO Is there an active bicycle advocacy group in the community?
Bicycle Friendly Communities don’t happen without community effort. Having a local group advocating for bike-friendly policies, programs and accommodations is key to getting things done.
 

Enforcement
YES NO Do law enforcement officers receive training on the rights and responsibilities of all road users?
Local law enforcement has a tough job. Officers’ training is available and critical in protecting your rights and keeping roadways safe for all users.
YES NO Does your community have law enforcement or other public safety officers on bikes?
There's no better way for law enforcement to get better hands-on experience than policing from behind the handlebars. These officers can also manage crowds and congested downtowns better as well and their equipment is cheaper than an outfitted cruiser.
YES NO Do local ordinances treat bicyclists equitably?
Equal treatment through city policies and ordinances is critical in ensuring cyclists rights to the road.
 

Evaluation
YES NO Is there a specific plan or program to reduce cyclist/motor vehicle crashes?
From targeted enforcement or redesign of intersections with high crash rates, your community should be striving for safer streets.
YES NO Does your community have a current comprehensive bicycle plan?
YES NO Is there a Bicycle advisory Committee that meets regularly?
YES NO Does your community have a bicycle program manager?
Along with the need for advocacy groups, communities aren’t just becoming bike-friendly magically. They require proper planning, city staff to manage implementation of programs and accommodations, and a cyclist-driven constituent oversight to see the plans are followed through.
Click here for more information on the Bicycle friendly Community program. Questions? Contact us at 202-822-133 or info@bicyclefriendlycommunity.org. We would love to help you make your community a Bicycle Friendly Community.