“This is truly a citywide recognition, as our Bike-Friendly initiatives are promoting economic development and sustainability as well as increasing ridership,” said Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster. “As a result of our investment in bicycling-related infrastructure, Long Beach is becoming an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.”
This award recognizes: bike-safety educational programs in each of the city’s elementary and middle schools; the creation of the nation’s first bike-friendly business districts, which has resulted in an increased number of visitors and residents “biking to shop and dine locally;” and investment in bike-related infrastructure.
More than 20 bike-related businesses have opened or significantly expanded in Long Beach in the past 18 months.
Since being award Bronze status in 2009, Long Beach has increased the number of miles of bike lanes by 25 percent. The City has instituted bike-friendly business district programs in the Bixby Knolls, Retro Row, East Village and Cambodia Town business districts. More than 175 businesses have enrolled in the Bike Saturday business program, and more than 60,000 elementary- and middle -school students have participated in the City’s Safe Routes to School educational program. In addition, the Bike Fest and Tour of Long Beach have grown into major events for the city and region, as well as being a charity sponsor for Miller’s Children’s Hospital.
In the next year, an additional 15 miles of bike facilities are planned throughout Long Beach, many in the northern and western portions of the city. A bike-share program similar to those in many European cities, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, and Denver, will soon offer residents and visitors the opportunity to rent bikes in one location and return them to another.
The League of American Bicyclists Bicycle-Friendly Community program evaluates and recognizes investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.
For more information, visit bikelongbeach.org or contact Allan Crawford at Allan.Crawford@longbeach.gov or (562) 570-6618.
