Bicycle Friendly Communities

Making cities safer for cycling

Bikes Belong is a lead sponsor of the Bicycle Friendly Communities program, run by the League of American Bicyclists. This program recognizes cities that support bicycling and works to replicate their successes.

Twice each year, the League of American Bicyclists awards Bicycle Friendly Community designations to cities that have demonstrated significant work to create exemplary conditions for bicycling.

There are four levels of recognition: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. In total, 84 cities and towns currently hold Bicycle Friendly Community status, which must be renewed every four years. Only two cities—Davis, California; and Portland, Oregon—have received the prestigious platinum designation.

By recognizing role-model communities, the BFC program motivates other cities throughout the country to improve their bicycle facilities. The spirit of competition among city mayors inspires action nationwide and makes our cities and towns better for bicycling.

New Designations—May 2008

Silver:
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Durango, Colorado
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Bronze:
Arcata, California
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlottesville, Virginia
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Oxford, Mississippi
Port Townsend, Washington
Sitka, Alaska

For more information on the program and how to apply for a BFC designation, visit the League of American Bicyclists website.

In September 2007, REI announced a $100,000 contribution to the Bikes Belong Foundation for REI Bicycle Friendly Community grants. These $5,000-$15,000 grants will be awarded to League-designated BFCs that are using creative strategies and demonstrating success in making their communities mre bicycle friendly. This is an invitation-only grant program. Read the press release.

Learn more about the REI/Bicycle Friendly Communities grants.