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

Simsbury Named a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists
Posted on: November 18, 2014 - 9:15am

Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Simsbury with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award, joining more than 325 visionary communities from across the country. 

“I am so proud that Simsbury has been named the first Silver Bicycle Friendly community in the State of Connecticut,” said First Selectman Mary Glassman. “A group of dedicated volunteers worked with various boards and committees to make this happen. Residents should be proud of this work and what it means to our community.”

With the announcement of 55 new and renewing BFCs today, Simsbury joins a leading group of communities, in all 50 states, that are transforming neighborhoods across the country.

“Visionary community leaders are recognizing the real-time and long term impact that a culture of bicycling can create,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this new round of communities for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their residents and beyond.”

The BFC program is revolutionizing 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 326 BFCs in all 50 states.

“A safer, more walkable and ridable Simsbury is good for families, supports businesses and attracts tourists. Every Simsbury resident should be excited about Simsbury’s progress toward creating a healthier and more vibrant community,” said Pattie Jacobus, Simsbury Free Bike/Simsbury Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chair.

The Silver BFC award recognizes Simsbury’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.

“Simsbury’s Silver Bicycle Friendly Community designation was the result close work between Simsbury town officials, the board of education, public works, the police department, our business community and bicycle advocates,” said Simsbury Free Bike Director Larry Linonis.

“The Town of Simsbury, along with a group of dedicated citizens, has worked hard to promote ridership and hopefully serve as a role model for other communities who wish to become more bicycle friendly,” said Diana Moody, Chair, Simsbury Silver Application Committee. “Through the direct action of our town and residents, we can continue to create a safe and friendly bicycle network.”

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

The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. The group’s commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.