|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Derek Wing, Communications Supervisor
dwing@redmond.gov, 425-556-5844
Redmond Recognized as a Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists
REDMOND, WA - Today, the City of Redmond was honored by the League of American Bicyclists with a Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award thanks to the City’s work in building better places for people to bike. Redmond joins 460 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. The award recognizes Redmond for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.
"We are proud to receive the Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, which highlights the progress we've made and reinforces our commitment to making our city more accessible, sustainable, and safe for everyone,” said Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community, and we know this is just the beginning. As we continue to develop our Transportation Master Plan, we are focused on making even more strides to ensure our city remains a welcoming and safe place for cyclists.”
Redmond’s Transportation Master Plan update, which is currently underway, will identify strategies to help bicycling become a more accessible and widespread mode of travel for people of all ages and abilities. By adopting and implementing the updated Transportation Master Plan, Redmond will be well-positioned to improve to a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community moving forward.
The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for how communities build and benchmark progress toward making biking better. The Silver BFC award recognizes Redmond’s commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, regular bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, pro-bike policies, and bike infrastructure.
“Bicycling is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a powerful tool for building healthier communities, fostering sustainability, and connecting people,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “The cities and towns recognized in this round of Bicycle Friendly Community awards are leading the way by investing in infrastructure and programs that make biking an easier, safer, and more accessible choice. Their leadership demonstrates that supporting bicycling is an investment in a healthier future for everyone.”
Nearly 900 communities have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, which provides a roadmap to making biking better for communities of all shapes and sizes. While the award process considers very visible elements such as bike infrastructure, other essential elements include efforts around adult and youth bike education, encouragement through events like Bike to Work Day, evaluation mechanisms, and enforcement all through the lens of equity. The rigorous application process is an educational tool in itself and includes an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their experiences and perceptions of bicycling in their community.
To learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.
|
