Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Sanford Health and the Eagles Club of TRF with a bronze award level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning them a place alongside over 1,400 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America.
“Minnesota now has 96 Bicycle Friendly Businesses located in every corner of our state, showing that biking and walking are important not just the urban core,” says Dorian Grilley Executive Director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. “The Bicycle Alliance looks forward to working with Thief River Falls, Quin Community Health Services, and other local stakeholders to prepare a Bicycle Friendly Community Assessment report that will help guide future Bicycle Friendly Community applications to the League of American Bicyclists. Congratulations and thank you to Sanford Health and the Eagles Club for leading the way in Thief River Falls.”
Both Sanford Health and the Eagles Club encourage bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provide amenities such as secure bike parking, supporting and promoting bike events and community rides and provide donations for bike-friendly infrastructure and events. Kjelsy Stueber (Sanford) and Glen Kajewski (Eagles Club) are excited that their organizations will be recognized on the national, as well as local, level as Bicycle Friendly Businesses.
Sanford has been a major supporter of Bike Thief River Falls activities. In their efforts to be more bike-friendly, they upgraded bike racks, and have created community bike rides during the Summer which a local park is highlighted during each ride for their destination. These rides are free events and open to the public.
The Eagles Club has been providing bike parking for employees and customers for a number of years, and working with Bike Thief River Falls, did a major bike parking upgrade in 2020. In their efforts to be more bike-friendly, the Eagles Club has sponsored members participating in charitable bike rides. Both businesses have donated funds towards the new bike racks located around downtown and sponsored and supported winter bike events.
As part of the BFB network, Sanford Health and the Eagles Club will have access to a variety of tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more welcoming to people who bike. When employees and customers bike, great things happen. Kjelsy and Glen, who completed the first business applications in TRF, encourage other local businesses to become Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists as well. They shared that as members of Bike Thief River Falls they’d be happy to work with local businesses to become a Bike Friendly Business.
To learn more about the BFB program, or to apply, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/business.
About the Bicycle Friendly America Program
To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, including the Bicycle Friendly Community® (BFC), Bicycle Friendly State® (BFS), Bicycle Friendly Business® (BFB), and Bicycle Friendly University® (BFU) programs, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA.
The League of American Bicyclists leads the national movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. With a history dating to 1880, the League is committed to engaging diverse communities and building a powerful, unified voice for change around protecting and promoting bicyclists’ rights. Learn more at www.bikeleague.org.