Bloomington Named Bicycle Friendly Community; Safety Course Offered Saturday for Residents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2008

For additional information:
Raymond Hess, Senior Transportation Planner, City of Bloomington, (812) 349-3423
Bill Nesper, League of American Bicyclists, (202) 822-1333
Daniel Lopez, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349-CITY, lopezd@bloomington.in.gov



Bloomington, IN - Mayor Mark Kruzan has announced that the League of American Bicyclists has renewed the City of Bloomington's designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The designation recognizes the City of Bloomington and its residents for making Bloomington safe and comfortable for bicycle commuting and recreational bicycling.

"We are pleased that the League appreciates the efforts of local bicycle advocates and City staff to make Bloomington a bicycle-friendly city," Kruzan said. "Bicycling is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while also getting exercise and having fun. That's why the City works hard to promote bicycling as a viable option for transportation and recreation."

In addition to the Bicycle Friendly Community award, Kruzan also noted several recent and upcoming City supported bicycle-related initiatives. Nearly 200 adults and children participated in Bloomington Bikes Week events, which included a Learn to Ride program for children, a Bicycle Commuting 101 course for adults, various bicycle rodeos, Bike to Work Day and the Cycle to Service program. The City collaborated with various businesses throughout the community in an effort to promote the events and maximize attendance.

The City is currently working diligently to promote bicycle education and safety through instruction. City staff will offer a course on the basic principles of "driving" a bicycle. The Road I Course for Bicyclists, which will follow a curriculum developed by the League of American Bicyclists, will be a day-long training on May 31, 2008, at Bloomington's City Hall, 401 N. Morton St., from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Participants will develop appreciation for bicycling confidently and competently for pleasure, utility and sport under various highway, climate, terrain and traffic conditions.

Bicycle encouragement and educational activities are characteristic of the month of May, which is recognized as National Bikes Month, but the City of Bloomington has long-demonstrated its solid commitment to promoting non-vehicular modes of transportation. The B-Line Trail, an expansive City project that will create 3.1 miles of new biking paths through downtown and the surrounding areas, has been designed and developed specifically with bicycle commuters in mind. Side trails and clear signage will make it easy for them to trek across the community without having to worry about the dangers of vehicular traffic on city streets.

"There has long been a desire in the community to increase both educational programs for bicyclists and the number of new biking opportunities for commuters," Kruzan said. "The work that the City of Bloomington Police Department has done in generating safety awareness has been great, and the City understands the importance of making it easy for bicyclists to get around."

Registration for the Road I Course for Bicyclists is required and is limited to 10 spaces on a first come, first served basis. Participants must be 16 years of age, but ages 13 to 15 are accepted if accompanied by a parent. The registration fee is $30. Additional information can be obtained from the City of Bloomington Planning Department or from the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning web page: [www.bloomington.in.gov/alternativetransportation|http://bloomington.in.gov/alternativetransportation].

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