City Named an Honorable Mention Bicycle Friendly Community

REDLANDS>> The League of American Bicyclists recognized the City of Redlands as an Honorable Mention Bicycle Friendly Community. Redlands was part of the largest application round in the BFC program’s 13-year history. In total, 140 communities applied for recognition, a 62 percent increase from the previous largest round of applicants. With the announcement of 34 Honorable Mention communities in addition to 26 new and 77 renewing BFCs awarded communities, Redlands joins a leading group of communities, in all 50 states, that are transforming neighborhoods. There are now 404 communities currently recognized with a Bronze level or better for their efforts to make biking better with a BFC award and 47 Honorable Mention communities. “In this largest BFC round ever, we are excited to see the number of communities that have improved since their last application,” said Ken McLeod, State and Local Policy Manager at the League of American Bicyclists. Four communities who were previously awarded improved their award level, six moved from no award to an Honorable Mention, and 22 communities moved from an Honorable Mention to a Bronze BFC award. He said, "the growth in our BFC program reflects great progress in our mission to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. It is incredible to see the diversity of communities that applied, the communities that have been involved with the BFC program for years, and the grassroots efforts to improve conditions for bicycling throughout the United States of America.” Bill Nesper, Vice President of Programs at the League of American Bicyclists said they applaud these communities for making bicycling a safe and convenient option for transportation and recreation. “We are encouraged by the growing number of leaders who see bicycling as a way to build more vibrant, healthy, sustainable and connected communities and be a part of the solution to many complex challenges faced at both the community and national levels. We look forward to continuing to work with these communities as we move closer to our mission of creating a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone,” Nesper said. An Honorable Mention recognizes Redlands’ efforts to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. The BFC program provides a benchmark for communities to evaluate these conditions and policies, while highlighting areas for improvement. The national scope of the program also promotes competition and comparison between communities - with 404 currently recognized BFC there is always a model for your community to be found. Roughly a quarter of currently recognized BFCs began with an Honorable Mention designation. “Redlands has worked hard to expand the range of transportation options available to the community with the goal of reducing traffic congestion and encouraging healthy physical activity,” said Mayor Paul Foster. “Achieving Honorable Mention under the Bike Friendly Community program highlights the success the city has had over the last few years in improving the transportation network. It also increases the city’s ability to compete for future grant funding as the city council moves forward with implementation of related transportation projects.” 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 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.