Washington, D.C. – September 14, 2011 – The League of American Bicyclists names Burlington as a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) during their 2011 Fall awards announcement. “The League congratulates Burlington and all of our BFC winners for implementing successful, long-term bicycle plans and programs that provide quality of life improvements for their citizens,” said League President Andy Clarke. “Even in tough economic times it is clear that cities are choosing investment in bicycling as a key to building the places people want to live, work and visit.” These awarded communities now bring the total of BFCs across the country to 190 in 46 states.
The BFC award recognizes Burlington’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. The BFC judges were particularly impressed with:
- Dedicated advocates working in partnership with Public Works and Parks staff to improve biking programs and facilities
- Plans for bike lanes on Pearl Street and Colchester Avenue
- Volunteer-led secure bicycle parking at dozens of events in 2011
- Burlington’s updated bicycle ordinances, approved by the City Council
- Increased levels of bicycling in the city
- Increased quantities and types of bicycle parking racks, including two in-street racks and 10 bicycle lockers in the Marketplace Garage
- Local Motion’s ten initiatives, including award-winning Bike Recycle Vermont, the Safe Streets Collaborative, the Bike Commuter Training Program, and leadership on the Burlington Bike Path Task Force.
“We are proud of the roadmap that the Bicycle Friendly Community program provides and how Burlington is using it to build a Silver level BFC,” said Bill Nesper, Director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program. “We are inspired by the tireless efforts of individuals and groups, from everyday cyclists to city leaders to build great communities for bicycling.”
The BFC program is revolutionizing the communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks, while allowing them to benchmark their progress and work toward improving their bicycle-friendliness. The application to become a BFC is rigorous and an educational tool in itself; currently there are 190 of the 490 total applicants have a BFC four-year designation. The renewal process and four levels of the award – platinum, gold, silver and bronze – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve.
To apply or learn more about the free BFC program, visit the League online at bikeleague.org/community.
About the Bicycle Friendly America Program
The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle’s One World, Two Wheels Campaign. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/
The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle’s One World, Two Wheels Campaign. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America’s 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.
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