The League of American Bicyclists has announced 17 new Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC), bringing the total to 259 in 47 states. In addition, Fort Collins, Colorado, moved from a gold to platinum-level community, joining Portland, Oregon, Boulder, Colorado, and Davis, California, as the country’s most cycling-friendly cities.
"A bicycle culture is key in defining the fabric of what makes Fort Collins a great place to live, work and play," said Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat. "We know it is a primary means of transportation for many, a major form of recreation for most, and a significant factor in attracting new businesses and new residents. Our city works alongside many community organizations to build a seamless bikeway network and ensure a safe cycling community."
The BFC program helps communities improve conditions for cycling by offering incentives and hands-on assistance. Cities and states that are working to become more bike-friendly are ranked annually and receive national recognition.
With a ridership that has tripled over the past decade, Cambridge, Massachusetts, became a new gold-level BFC, and despite its long, cold winters, Anchorage, Alaska, moved from bronze to silver.
“Anchorage's eight long winter months come with darkness, frozen roads and snow but our bicyclists have adapted by gearing up with cold weather gear, lights, fat tires and studs,” said Lori Schanche, Municipality of Anchorage Non-Motorized Transportation Coordinator. “When summer arrives we all enjoy almost 24 hours of daylight to be out cycling our miles of beautiful trails and bike lanes."
