Bloomington Named a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists

[image:3985,right]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 18, 2014

For more information, please contact:

Vince Caristo, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Bloomington Planning Department, 349.3423, caristov@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington Named a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM by the League of American Bicyclists

Bloomington, Ind. - The League of American Bicyclists has recognized the City of Bloomington as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFCSM). Bloomington was one of 55 new and renewing BFCs announced, placing it as just one of 326 visionary communities spanning all 50 states that are transforming American neighborhoods.

"Visionary community leaders are recognizing the real-time and long-term impact that a culture of bicycling can create," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "We applaud this new round of communities for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their residents and beyond."

The BFC program is revolutionizing the way communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks, while allowing them to benchmark their progress toward improving their bicycle-friendliness. The Gold BFC award recognizes Bloomington's commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.

"This award is a nice recognition of the dedicated efforts of so many people who work to make bicycling a safe and convenient way to travel around Bloomington and part of the fabric of our culture," said Vince Caristo, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator at the City of Bloomington.

In 2003, Bloomington was the first community in Indiana to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community and has the highest rating of any community in the state.

The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community, and the application itself has become a rigorous and educational tool. Since its inception, more than 800 distinct communities have applied, and the five levels of the award - bronze, silver, gold, platinum and diamond - provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve.

About the Bicycle Friendly AmericaSM Program

The Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM, as well as the Bicycle Friendly StateSM, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly UniversitySM programs, are all part of the Bicycle Friendly America program by The League of American Bicyclists. This group is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, their commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change. All programs are generously supported by partner Trek Bicycle. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit [www.bikeleague.org/BFA].

To apply or learn more about the BFC program, visit [www.bikeleague.org/community]. For more information about bicycling in Bloomington, please contact Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Vince Caristo at 349.3423 or caristov@bloomington.in.gov.

###