Today the League of American Bicyclists announced 55 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC). With this new round, 69 million people live in a Bicycle Friendly Community as the program extends to all 50 states.

These new awardees join a leading group of more than 325 communities in all 50 states that are improving health, safety and quality of life in cities and towns nationwide. Communities in Hawaii and North Dakota awarded this cycle have rounded out the program to all 50 states.

“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.”

Some of the awardees this round include...

Chattanooga, TN, became a Silver-level community.

“Chattanooga’s designation as a Silver community is the outcome of our comprehensive approach to transportation, including the recent Complete Streets ordinance, as well as initiatives like our first protected bike lanes and a new neighborhood greenway in one of our city’s most historic neighborhoods. Studies show that residents want multimodal transportation investments. By planning and designing new and future transportation projects with all users in mind, including bicyclists, we can ensure residents and visitors alike have more access to Chattanooga’s vibrant downtown, beautiful outdoors, and well-connected neighborhoods.” -- Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke

Also in the Southeast, New Orleans, LA, moved up to the Silver level.

“Biking is a healthy, safe, and equitable way for residents and visitors to access jobs and recreation. As bicycle ridership increases across New Orleans, we are committed to expanding our bicycle infrastructure. Before Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans had fewer than 5 miles of bikeways. We’re on pace to have more than 100 miles by the end of 2014. I want to thank the League of American Bicyclists for this important designation as New Orleans continues to advance as a bicycle friendly community.” -- New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu

Phoenix, AZ, became a bronze-level awardee.

"Achieving Bronze level BFC is a great first step on Phoenix's journey to Platinum level. We have a soon-to-be-approved bicycle master plan with 380 projects. I am excited for the future of bicycling in Phoenix." -- Joseph Perez, Phoenix Bike Coordinator

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

To apply or learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.

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