Bowling Green League of Bicyclists
What is the Bicycle Friendly Community program?
The Bicycle-Friendly Communities campaign is an awards program that recognizes communities that actively support bicycling. A Bicycle-Friendly Community provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. The League of American Bicyclists administers the program.
There are currently 58 Bicycle-Friendly Communities nationwide, including other college towns such as Boulder, Colo. and Auburn, Ala. In 2006, Louisville, Ky. became the first city in Kentucky to win the award.
Why should we encourage bicycling?
Encouraging bicycling is a simple way towards improving public health. With more people bicycling, communities experience reduced traffic demands, improved air quality and greater physical fitness. In addition, bicycle-friendly towns are often seen as places with a high quality of life. This can translate into increased property values, business growth and increased tourism.
Can Bowling Green/Warren County be "bicycle-friendly?"
Yes! The Bowling Green League of Bicyclists has decided to pursue BFC designation. A group is forming to work on the project, and we need your help.
How does the process work?
The process is multi-step. First, we need to build support for bicycling in our community by asking city and county officials and local groups to endorse the project. We hope to create and implement an Action Plan to promote bicycling in our community.
When we’re ready, we will submit a two-part application. It looks at five areas:
- Engineering (bike lanes, engineer training, bike racks, etc.)
- Education (bike safety programs for kids and adults)
- Encouragement (Safe Routes to School, Bike to Work Day, bike tours, etc.)
- Enforcement (laws and officer training on bike issues)
- Evaluation and Planning (comprehensive plan, follow-through efforts)
The League of American Bicyclists reviews applications and talks to cyclists about local conditions in our community. Awards, which are good for two years, are made at the platinum, gold, silver or bronze levels
If we win an award, we will be recognized with an awards ceremony, a Bicycle-Friendly Community road sign, and a formal press announcement.
Are we ready for this program?
We think so. In recent years, the Bowling Green area has seen tremendous growth in bicycle-friendly programs – including new bike lanes, shared use paths, and wonderful programs such as Safe Routes to School. The Greenways Commission already has developed a Greenbelt Master Plan. We think people are ready to make the commitment to a healthier, greener, safer lifestyle.
What if we don't win an award?
It may take us a while to achieve everything that we want, but simply applying for the program will teach us a lot. The process is also a tool to get public officials, civic groups, health care providers, schools, businesses, drivers and cyclists alike to understand the benefits of bicycling. Once we do achieve an award, it must be renewed every two years, so the program encourages continued improvement.
In addition, the League of American Bicyclists provides extensive technical support, including a BFC Workshop for our community if we request it.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. The application is free, thanks to the support of the Bikes Belong Coalition.
How can I help?
Please contact Sara Shipley Hiles, coordinator of the local Bicycle-Friendly Community task force at saraship@gmail.com or (270) 783-7510.
Please see www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org for more information on the program.
Get your KY Share the Road Plate!