With the announcement of 34 new and renewing BFCs in May, National Bicycle Month, Lewes joins a group of communities, in all 50 states, that the League of American Bicyclists says are transforming their neighborhoods.
“We applaud these communities for making bicycling a safe and convenient option for transportation and recreation,” says Bill Nesper, vice president of programs for the League of American Bicyclists. “We are encouraged by the growing number of leaders who see bicycling as a way to build more vibrant, healthy, sustainable and connected communities and be a part of the solution to many complex challenges faced at both the community and national levels. We look forward to continuing to work with these communities as we move closer to our mission of creating a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.”
According to the League of American Bicyclists, 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. There are now 372 BFCs in all 50 states. The Bronze Level BFC award recognizes a community’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.
Lewes Mayor Ted Becker credited the efforts of the Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He says, “We supported the committee’s efforts some six years ago when the League give Lewes an ‘Honorable Mention’ award. But the committee worked hard to create better bicycle infrastructure and set events targeting cycling to work and building cycling skills for youngsters at Lewes Night Out. I know that this committee wants to move to a higher level and the city will continue to support their efforts.”
There are several bicycle trails in and around the Lewes area. (Photo: WBOC)
The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community. The League of American Bicyclists says that since its inception, more than 1,200 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.
Click here to download a City of Lewes Bike Map.
To apply or learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.
