“Once again we’re honored for working on our infrastructure and creating a culture to encourage more residents to use their bicycle for transportation,” Mayor Bob Foster said. “We are another step closer to being recognized as the most bike-friendly city in the nation.”
The honor comes two weeks after the League of American Bicyclists upgraded Long Beach to a “Silver Bicycle Friendly City.” Only five other cities were upgraded from Bronze to Silver, and only 39 cities have Silver status.
Bicycling Magazine pointed out that Long Beach is widely considered a leader throughout the region. “Long Beach’s slew of top-tier facilities, such as separated downtown bikeways and the nation’s first bike-commuter station (Bikestation), has neighboring cities salivating,” reads the article.
The magazine also spotlighted the recent Tour of Long Beach, which was led by former Olympian Tony Cruz, the city’s Bicycle Ambassador.
According to a press release issued by the City of Long Beach last week, in the past few years, the city has made enormous strides in terms of infrastructure development, education, outreach and involvement with its business community and schools, which has resulted in increased bicycle ridership citywide.
Bicyling Magazine evaluated cities with populations of 95,000 or more, using data provided by the Alliance for Biking and Walking and the League of American Bicyclists, as well as input from local advocates and bicycle-pedestrian coordinators. “To make the list, a city must possess both a robust cycling infrastructure and a vibrant bike culture,” according to the magazine.
For more information, visit bit.ly/KRrFcW .
Source: City of LB
