[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] – La Crescent is Minnesota’s newest community to be recognized as Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Minnesota, one of the top five most bicycle-friendly states in the U.S., now boasts 35 BFCs.
The bronze BFC awards recognize the commitment of the La Crescent community to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure, and pro-bicycling policies. Communities earn this recognition for their commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.
“One in five people in Greater Minnesota ride a bicycle at least once a week and communities in every corner of the state are working on plans to attract more residents, businesses, and tourists by becoming more bicycle friendly,” said Dorian Grilley, Executive Director of BikeMN. “We’re excited to see so many successfully renew their awards and thrilled to see La Crescent recognized for their efforts!”
Congratulations also go to the city of Hutchinson for advancing from Bronze to Silver, and Hennepin County renewed their silver level Bicycle Friendly Community status. Congratulations to the city of Woodbury and Greater Grand Forks who also successfully renewed their bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community status.
“When we build an America where bicycling is truly safer and easier for everyone, we are strengthening our nation’s economic vibrance, environmental welfare, and mental and physical well-being. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate all of the new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities in our movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “This round of awards is a testament to the community leaders and local bike advocates who are joining the League in raising the standard of what it means to be a Bicycle Friendly Community.”
Bicycling creates revenue and jobs for our state. It brings tourists (and their pocketbooks) to towns for community rides and scenic adventures. Bicycling keeps Minnesotans healthy and hearty. Small infrastructure projects like trails and sidewalks create nearly double the number of jobs per dollar spent than big highway projects. Cities are also working on making their communities safer for youth to walk and bike to school.
About the BFC Award Program:
Since the Bicycle Friendly Community program’s inception over 20 years ago, more than 700 distinct communities in the U.S. have applied for recognition. The program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community for communities of all shapes and sizes. The rigorous application process is an educational tool in itself, and includes an opportunity for local bicyclists to provide input on their experiences and perceptions of bicycling in their community. Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure that they not only maintain existing efforts, but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards, and community-driven best practices.
More about BikeMN:
The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) envisions a Minnesota where every person everywhere can easily walk, bike, and roll as ways to move in daily life. BikeMN engages people, provides education, and advocates for biking and walking. Visit www.bikemn.org to learn more about local advocacy around Minnesota.
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