City of Bend Named a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists

As bicycling continues to grow in popularity, leaders in cities across the country, like Bend, are embracing the environmental, financial and quality of life benefits that come with a population that likes to ride. This week, the League of American Bicyclists announced the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) and Bend has been named a Silver BFC.

“We are inspired when we see places like Bend 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 Silver BFC award recognizes Bend’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.

“Bend already has complete streets policies which have resulted in improved bike lane coverage.  Bend will be focusing on now closing gaps in the system on older roadways and increasing the enjoyment factor for riding in town.  Future projects such as Reed Market Road between 3rd Street and 27th Street will allow commuters to travel from one side of town to the other. This fall we will also be showcasing new facilities on Riverside Boulevard and Franklin Avenue aimed at increasing riding comfort and enjoyment.

These roads will feature cycle track bike lanes, buffered bike lanes, and shared lane markings.  Both cycle tracks and buffered bike lanes improve the separation of people in cars and people on bikes, similar to the existing cycle track on the southern river crossing. The Bend Police Department will continue bike safety education and enforcement through the Bike Diversion Program, and the city’s Engineering Infrastructure Planning Department is working with the community to identify bike facility needs and priorities as well as implement safety enhancements throughout the community. The BFC process is rigorous and the bar is raised with each application.  By measuring our progress we are able to evaluate areas in need of improvement,” states Robin Lewis, PE, City of Bend Transportation Engineer.

The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community and the application itself 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.

To apply or learn more about the free BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.

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.