Contacts:
Molly North, FC Bikes Program Specialist, 970-224-6112, mnorth@fcgov.com
Elizabeth Murphy, League of American Bicyclists, 202-621-5458, liz@bikeleague.org
Embargoed Until 12:01 a.m., Monday May 13, 2013
Fort Collins Named a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists
As bicycling continues to grow in popularity, leaders in cities across the country, like Fort Collins, are embracing the environmental, financial and quality of life benefits that come with a population that likes to ride. Today, the League of American Bicyclists announced the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) and Fort Collins has been named a Platinum BFC.
“We are inspired when we see places like Fort Collins making bicycling safer and more convenient,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We know that investment will be returned many times over in the health, environmental, transportation, and quality of life benefits of a thriving, attractive community.”
The BFC program is transforming the way communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks, while allowing them to benchmark their progress toward improving their bicycle-friendliness. With this impressive round, there are now 259 BFCs in 47 states across America. The Platinum BFC award recognizes Fort Collins’ commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.
“A bicycle culture is key in defining the fabric of what makes Fort Collins a great place to live, work and play. 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,” stated Mayor Weitkunat. “Our City works alongside many community organizations to build a seamless bikeway network and ensure a safe cycling community. We are proud to accept this Platinum designation. Bicycling is a community value and a way of life in Fort Collins.”
The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community and the application has become a rigorous and an educational tool in itself. Since its inception, more than 500 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. In the BFC program’s first year, 2003, the City of Fort Collins received a Silver award. In 2008, the City achieved a BFC Gold standing.
“I am honored to have led the City of Fort Collins in attaining this prestigious award that recognizes years of coalition building, investment in bicycling infrastructure, and encouragement and education efforts. All of these combined have fostered an environment in which people feel safe choosing bicycling as a way of life,” said Molly North, FC Bikes Program Specialist. “Fort Collins is thrilled to join Boulder, Colorado, Davis, California, and Portland, Oregon as one of only four communities in our nation that have attained the Platinum designation.”
This award adds to the excitement FC Moves is experiencing this month as FC Bikes also welcomes new program manager Tessa Greegor aboard. “I’m already looking forward to taking Fort Collins to the next level—the Diamond designation—in tandem with Tessa Greegor, FC Bikes Program Manager,” said North.
To apply or learn more about the free BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.
About FC Moves and FC Bikes
The City of Fort Collins FC Moves provides a variety of services related to the planning, design and implementation of safe and efficient mobility for automobile, transit, bicycle and pedestrian modes of travel. For more information, or to learn about FC Bikes and other FC Moves programs, visit fcgov.com/fcmoves or call 970-224-6058.
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 partner Trek Bicycle. 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.
# # #
Molly North, FC Bikes
City of Fort Collins
970-224-6112 or mnorth@fcgov.com
Elizabeth Murphy
League of American Bicyclists
202-621-5458 or liz@bikeleague.org
Bikeleague.org
