What Destinations are Bicycle Friendly? New Report Has Hints

Which cities are the most bicycle-friendly? To a certain extent, it depends on how many cycle-friendly businesses are in town. The League of American Bicyclists on Wednesday awarded 100 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses in 31 states and Washington, D.C.

With this announcement, the program has grown to include 1,050 visionary local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies from across the country that are changing the script on what it means to provide a top-notch experience and atmosphere for employees and customers alike. There are now BFBs in 47 states and DC.

List of 2015 awardees

“The business community’s investment in bicycling is playing a central role in making the country a safer, happier, and more sustainable place to live and work,” said Amelia Neptune, League Bicycle Friendly Business Program Manager. “We applaud this new round of businesses for leading the charge in creating a bicycle-friendly America for everyone.”

Bicycle Friendly Businesses encourage a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere for employees and customers alike. BFBs attract and retain energized, alert and productive employees, while decreasing healthcare costs.

The Architect of the Capitol, which employs 2,300 staff and oversees the maintenance and operation of all congressional buildings and land throughout Capitol Hill, received a Bronze award this round. The government agency, among other advancements, has been working collaboratively with the Congressional Bike Caucus to share information throughout the Capitol campus, and has helped to restart the Federal Interagency Bike Working Group as a means to share best practices within the federal community.

"We are so pleased to make the U.S. Capitol campus a more welcoming place for biking commuters and the visiting public," said Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers. “It is rewarding to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Business and to know that we have a passionate group of employees who implemented a cohesive program to achieve this recognition."

Hewlett Packard has about 1,900 employees at its Fort Collins, Colo., location. The new Bronze-level awardee hosts lunch-and-learn seminars on site, focusing on bicycling tips, such as winter riding, basic rules of the road and more.

"HP takes great pride in supporting community wellness and environmental protection," Hewlett Packard in Fort Collins said in a statement. "We are proud to be part of the movement to make bicycling fun and safe for everyone."

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program: The Bicycle Friendly America program provides incentives, hands-on assistance and award recognition for communities, universities and businesses that actively support bicycling, and ranks states annually based on their level of bike-friendliness. These programs are generously supported by Trek Bicycle.