Information Item: Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Award recognition
WEEKLY INFORMATION PACKET
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Toor and City Council
Frank W. Bruno, City Manager
FROM:
Amy Mueller, Intergovernmental Coordinator
DATE: May 26, 2004
Information Item: Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Award
SUBJECT:
recognition
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The city of Boulder has been recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Gold Level by
the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). City Council, advisory board members, and the
general public are cordially invited to attend an official ceremony where Andy Clark, the League
Executive Director will present the award to Mayor Will Toor. The event will convene at 5 p.m.
on Bike to Work Day, Wednesday, June 23 at the Central Park band shell and is part of Colorado
Bike Month.
BACKGROUND:
The city of Boulder has earned recognition by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle
Friendly Community at the Gold Level. The league promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and
transportation and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. It
represents the interests of the nation's 42 million cyclists-with a current membership of 300,000
affiliated cyclists, including 40,000 individuals and 600 affiliated organizations. The league
launched the Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign in October 1992 as a "national grassroots
effort to increase the number of trips made by bike, promote physical fitness, and help make
communities more livable." Since the program commenced, the LAB has designated 38
Attachment A
communities as Bicycle Friendly. details the list of communities recognized.
Each community award is ranked as platinum, gold, silver or bronze status and is designated for
two years.
Of the 11 communities designated as Bicycle Friendly Communities in this round, Boulder was
the only one designated as Gold Level status. This solo standing offered Boulder extra
Attachment B
recognition in the national press release () transmitted by the league. We join only
three other communities in sharing this prestigious level of the award: Corvallis, Oregon; Palo
Alto, California; and Portland, Oregon.
According to the league, the award levels were created to better classify communities by existing
initiatives and encourage continued efforts. Transportation staff completed a two-part
application that provided information on our general community profile and a detailed audit of
the engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation efforts in our city. Our
application was reviewed by a committee that considered our efforts and commitment in
Page 1
conjunction with feedback from local cyclists to determine our final designation.
Attachment C
details the league’s Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities. The capital
cities of four European nations and the United States are among 22 communities from around the
world that adopted the plan at the conclusion of an international symposium on Thursday, March
4, at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. The league encourages the city of
Boulder to also adopt the action plan. Transportation staff will present the Action Plan to the
Transportation Advisory Board for their consideration and recommendation to Council.
AWARD CEREMONY DETAILS:
The league’s Executive Director Andy Clark will present the Bicycle Friendly Community
Award to Mayor Will Toor at an official ceremony to convene at 5 p.m. on Bike to Work Day,
Wednesday, June 23. The event will be held at the Central Park band shell at Broadway and
Canyon Boulevard. City Council, advisory board members, and the general public are cordially
invited to attend. The LAB plans to provide a national news release specifically to announce the
festivity details.
In conjunction with Colorado Bike Month, a musical performance by the group “Peddling to the
Groove” will follow and is sponsored by Boulder Community Hospital. A full schedule of
events hosted throughout the month is attached.
Please direct any comments or questions to Marni Ratzel by e-mail at ratzelm@ci.boulder.co.us
or by telephone at 303-441-4138.
ATTACHMENTS:
A.List of other Bicycle Friendly Communities
http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/2003list.htm
B.National News Release
http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/May2004PressRelease.htm
C.Bicycle Friendly Communities Action Plan
http://www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org/pdf/Action.pdf
D.Bike Month Calendar of Events
CC: Open Space Board of Trustees
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Transportation Advisory Board
Page 2
Attachment A: List of Bicycle Friendly Communities
All Awarded Bicycle-Friendly Communities
2003-2004
PlatinumBronze:
NoneArlington, Virginia
Ashland, Oregon
Gold
Auburn, Alabama
Boulder, Colorado
Beaverton, Oregon
Corvallis, Oregon
Bloomington, Indiana
Palo Alto, California
Boca Raton, Florida
Portland, Oregon
Brentwood, California
Brunswick, Maine
Silver:
Carrboro, North Carolina
Denver, Colorado
Cary, North Carolina
Folsom, California
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Fort Collins, Colorado
College Station, Texas
Gainesville, Florida
Gilbert, Arizona
Missoula, Montana
Longmont, Colorado
Olympia, Washington
Mesa, Arizona
Santa Barbara, California
Miami Beach, Florida
Stanford University, California
Mountain View, California
Tempe, Arizona
Portage, Michigan
Tucson, Arizona
The Presidio of San Francisco, CA
Redmond, Washington
Rockville, Maryland
Schaumburg, Illinois
Shawnee, Kansas
Washington, DC
Attachment B: National Press Release
League Honors Eleven New Bicycle-Friendly Communities to
Kick Off National Bike MonthTM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2004
Contact: Patrick J. McCormick
Communications Director
League of American Bicyclists
Phone: 202-822-1333; Fax: 202-822-1334
Email: patrick@bikeleague.org
TM
Washington, DC—The League of American Bicyclists kicks off National Bike Monthby
awarding 11 communities its prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community designation.
Among the communities receiving the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designation,
the standouts are Boulder, Colo.—which was granted the League's gold-level BFC award—and
silver-level award winners Gainesville, Florida, Olympia, Washington; and Tucson, Arizona. The
League has yet to bestow its highest-level platinum award to any communities.
Bronze level awards were awarded to Ashland, Oregon.; Auburn, Alabama.; Carrboro, North
Carolina; Longmont, Colorado; Mountain View, California; Portage, Michigan and Rockville,
Maryland. An Honorary Mention was given to Milpitas, California.
The newly designated communities join 27 others previously given the designation to recognize
their commitment to providing safe accommodation and facilities for bicyclists, and for their
efforts to encourage bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation. Please visit
www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org to learn more about the awards process and view the
recently published highlights on the 2003 award-winning communities, as well as the results of
the League’s recent International Symposium on Bicycle Friendly Communities.
Andy Clarke, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, congratulated the winners
and said, "What better way to kick off this year’s National Bike Month than celebrating cities
such as Boulder, Colo., that show what’s possible. Given the choice, people will and do ride
their bikes. Bicycle Friendly Communities are special places, with a heightened sense of
community spirit and an uncommon devotion to improving their quality of life. With political
commitment, focused investment in infrastructure and policies, and broad community
involvement, cities and towns can become better places not only to bicycle but also to live. The
rewards for residents are huge: greater opportunities to lead active lifestyles; improved air
quality, and increased travel choices."
League staff and reviewers consider several factors before granting a community BFC status,
including:
The physical environment for bicycling -- on-street facilities, trails, parking etc.
Education programs to promote a "share the road" ethic among bicyclists and drivers
Promotional initiatives to persuade people to ride or ride more often
Enforcement of traffic laws for both motorists and bicyclists
Future plans and evaluation techniques to improve conditions further
In Boulder, an extraordinary ten percent of all resident trips are made by bicycle, as are 16
percent of all commuting trips. Nearly seven percent of residents view bike commuting as their
primary mode of travel to work, according to the Census. Boulder recognizes and supports its
bicyclists by investing $4.5 million (19 percent) of its approved 2003 transportation budget on
bicycle mode operations/maintenance and enhancement initiatives. Thanks to many years of
political and financial support, 78% of Boulder's arterial streets are equipped with bike lanes and
multi-use paths receive formal inspections twice a week.
In terms of educational and promotional efforts, the "Courtesy is Contagious" public outreach
campaign, launched by GO Boulder/City of Boulder in June 2002, has been a tremendous
success. The campaign employs print media and a team of ambassadors to exchange ideas
and information with the community. The program’s goals are to reduce the number of bike and
pedestrian-related injuries, and to create more active and livable neighborhoods in Boulder by
increasing bicycle and pedestrian trips.
The League anticipates a rapidly growing list of BFC award winners as additional communities
apply for the honor. Communities wishing to be considered for the award should visit
www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org to view the application and learn more about the program.
Applications received on or before August 20, 2004 will be considered in the next application
review cycle, with announcements of winning communities scheduled for October 2004.
The League's Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign is a national grassroots effort to increase
the number of trips made by bike, promote physical fitness, and help make communities more
livable. The Campaign works in the most effective way possible-town by town, city by city-to
encourage bicycling and achieve a bicycle-friendly America.
The Campaign is supported by generous grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
(www.rwjf.org) and Bikes Belong Coalition (www.bikesbelong.org).
TM
For more information on National Bike Month, visit www.bikemonth.com for cycling tips, event
listings and more.
# # # # #
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy
and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 50 million bicyclists,
including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org
andwww.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org.
Attachment C: Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities
Action Plan for Bicycle Friendly Communities
We, the undersigned Mayors and municipal elected officials, make decisions every day affecting
the health and safety of our residents, the efficient conduct of commerce and delivery of
government services, and the long term quality of life in our communities.
Cities across the globe are managing diverse issues such as pollution, congestion, traffic safety,
accessibility, social inclusion, and economic growth. Increasing urbanization and sprawl is
generating extra demand for quality public spaces and recreation opportunities. A renewed
emphasis on security and the costs of dealing with the emerging epidemics of obesity and
physical inactivity are stretching limited resources even further.
Solutions to these many challenges are equally diverse and complex. This Charter recognizes
one policy initiative that addresses these challenges and contributes to many of the solutions
necessary to improve the quality of life in cities: increasing the percentage of trips made by
bicycle by making communities more bicycle-friendly.
We recognize that increasing bicycle use can:
Improve the environment
by reducing the impact on residents of pollution and noise, limiting
greenhouse gases, and improving the quality of public spaces.
Reduce congestion
by shifting short trips (the majority of trips in cities) out of cars. This will also
make cities more accessible for public transport, walking, essential car travel, emergency
services, and deliveries.
Save lives
by creating safer conditions for bicyclists and as a direct consequence improve the
safety of all other road users. Research shows that increasing the number of bicyclists on the
street improves bicycle safety.
Increase opportunities
for residents of all ages to participate socially and economically in the
community, regardless income or ability. Greater choice of travel modes also increases
independence, especially among seniors and children.
Boost the economy
by creating a community that is an attractive destination for new residents,
tourists and businesses.
Enhance recreational opportunities
, especially for children, and further contribute to the quality
of life in the community.
Save city funds
by increasing the efficient use of public space, reducing the need for costly new
road infrastructure, preventing crashes, improving the health of the community, and increasing
the use of public transport.
Enhance public safety
and security by increasing the number of “eyes on the street” and
providing more options for movement in the event of emergencies, natural disasters, and major
public events.
Improve the health
and well being of the population by promoting routine physical activity.
Therefore
we, the undersigned Mayors and municipal elected officials, are committed to taking
the following steps to improve conditions for bicycling and thus to realizing the significant
Action Plan for
potential benefits of bicycling in our community. We hereby adopt the following
Bicycle Friendly Communities
:
1. Adopt a target level of bicycle use (e.g. percent of trips) and safety to be achieved within a
specific timeframe, and improve data collection necessary to monitor progress.
2. Provide safe and convenient bicycle access to all parts of the community through a signed
network of on- and off-street facilities, low-speed streets, and secure parking. Local cyclists
should be involved in identifying maintenance needs and ongoing improvements.
3. Establish information programs to promote bicycling for all purposes, and to communicate the
many benefits of bicycling to residents and businesses (e.g. with bicycle maps, public relations
campaigns, neighborhood rides, a ride with the Mayor)
4. Make the City a model employer by encouraging bicycle use among its employees (e.g. by
providing parking, showers and lockers, and establishing a city bicycle fleet).
5. Ensure all city policies, plans, codes, and programs are updated and implemented to take
advantage of every opportunity to create a more bicycle-friendly community. Staff in all
departments should be offered training to better enable them to complete this task.
6. Educate all road users to share the road and interact safely. Road design and education
programs should combine to increase the confidence of bicyclists.
7. Enforce traffic laws to improve the safety and comfort of all road users, with a particular focus
on behaviors and attitudes that cause motor vehicle/bicycle crashes.
8. Develop special programs to encourage bicycle use in communities where significant
segments of the population do not drive (e.g. through Safe Routes to Schools programs) and
where short trips are most common.
9. Promote intermodal travel between public transport and bicycles, e.g. by putting bike racks on
buses, improving parking at transit, and improving access to rail and public transport vehicles.
10. Establish a citywide, multi-disciplinary committee for nonmotorized mobility to submit to the
Mayor/Council a regular evaluation and action plan for completing the items in this Charter.
“We will promote safe and environmentally friendly cycling and walking by providing safe
infrastructure and networks…” World Health Organization Charter on Transport,
Environment and Health, 1999.
“The US Conference of Mayors calls on cities and communities to promote increased safe
bicycle use for transportation and recreation…” US Conference of Mayors, 2003.
For the City of Boulder, Colorado:
.....................................................
Signature
....................................................
Name
Print, sign, and mail to:
League of American Bicyclists
Attn: Let's Get Moving
1612 K St NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
Attachment D: Bike Month Schedule of Events
June is Colorado Bike Month
Weekly Events
Bike Education Series
Tuesdays,6:00 p.m.
Hosted by YMCA of Boulder Valley.
Session 1: Get Geared - Bike selection and what to wear. Rain, sleet or snow…we're still on the
go! What bike fits you and your needs? Dress to impress for wet, cold and nighttime riding.
Session 2: Get Equipped - How to avoid a SNAFU. Not to fear, we'll teach you basic
maintenance and repair! Learn how to complete a safety check, fix a flat, and other quick
roadside repairs.
Session 3: Get Controlled - Safe Handling Skills. Be in command with confidence to avoid
scrapes and dents! Learn the ways and means of effective cycling techniques.
Session 4: Get Gone - Let's Ride! Be astute, warm up for your Bike to Work Day commute! Join
us for a fun ride to celebrate Walk and BikeWeek. YMCA of Boulder Valley, 2850 Mapleton
Ave., Joss Dewaele, 303.442.2778, www.ymcabv.org/teens/yteens
Walk & BikeWeek Information Booth at the Farmer's Market
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays,10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by GO Boulder. Stop by and find out how to make biking, walking and transit part of
your every day life. Boulder Farmer's Market, 13th & Arapahoe, Brook Stableford,
303.441.1879, www.goboulder.net
Cruiser Rides
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by Boulder Cruiser Club. Join the gang for this weekly, leisurely
ride around town, promoting Boulder's fabulous bikeways and unexplored hideaways. Sports
Garage, 2705B Spruce, 303.473.0033.
Bike Tune-ups at the Farmer's Market
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Hosted by YMCA of Boulder Valley. Ride your bike to the
Farmer's Market and get a free basic tune-up from the Y-Riders Teen Cycling Club. Boulder
Farmer's Market, 13th & Arapahoe, Joss Dewaele, 303.442.2778, www.ymcabv.org
Bike Month Events
Clinic: Bike Maintenance Basics
Wednesday, June 2,7:00 p.m.
Hosted by REI Store, Boulder. Keeping a bike in good condition
is an important part of enjoyable riding. An REI bike tech will demonstrate the basics of bike
maintenance and roadside repair. Learn how to change a flat, lubricate your bike and make
routine adjustments. REI Store - Boulder 1789 28th Street, Linda Conner, 303-583-9970,
www.rei.com/stores/boulder
Relay for Life
Fri - Sat, June 4 - 5,6:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Hosted by American Cancer Society. A fun-filled
overnight activity mobilizing communities across the country to celebrate survivorship,
remember those who lost their lives to cancer, and raise money for the fight against cancer. To
register call Liz Smokowski at 303.776.2689. University of Colorado Potts Field, East Campus,
Colorado and Foothills, Liz Smokowski, 303.776.2689, www.cancer.org
Circle Boulder By Bike
Sunday, June 6,3:00 - 4:30 p.m. rolling start
Hosted by Boulder Greenway's Program. An
enjoyable ride that's fun for all ages. Ride the half or whole loop. Enjoy refreshments in the rest
area, a post-ride picnic and prize drawings. Starts and finishes at Unity Church of Boulder.
Unity Church of Boulder, 2855 Folsom (at Valmont Rd.), Melinda Gillespie, 303.441.3266,
www.bouldertransportation.net
Bike Tune-ups at the Farmer's Market
Saturday, June 12,10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by Boulder Off-road Alliance. Ride your
bike to the Farmer's Market and get a professional tune-up from the Boulder Off-road Alliance
for a $10 fee. Boulder Farmer's Market, 13th & Arapahoe, Adam Massey, 303.667.2467,
www.boa-mtb.org
Boulder County Transportation Fair
Friday, June 18,10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by Boulder County. Walk, bike or bus to the
Boulder County Courthouse to check out information on a wide range of transportation options
and events. Boulder County Courthouse, Pearl Street Mall, Scott Robson, 720.564.2658,
http://www.co.boulder.co.us/transportation/index.htm
Walk and Bike Week Events
Vintage Bike Swap
Saturday, June 19,8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hosted by Keith's Bikes. Come check out some
vintage bikes from generations past at the annual Vintage Bike Swap. Hundreds of vintage
cruisers and parts for sale and trade. Boulder Farmer's Market, 13th & Arapahoe, Keith
Murdock, www.keithsbikes.com
Cycle Safety Circus for Kids
Saturday (rain date Sunday), June 19,9:00 a.m.
Hosted by Cycle Safety Circus for Kids. A
free family-oriented event aimed to entertain and educate children, their familes & the Colorado
cycling community in safe cycling and the wearing of safety helmets in the prevention of head
injuries. Boulder Outlook Hotel, 28th and Baseline, Lynn Chambers, 303.394.0905,
www.cyclesafety.org
Bike Tune-ups at the Farmer's Market
Saturday, June 19,10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by Boulder Off-road Alliance. Ride your
bike to the Farmer's Market and get a professional tune-up from the Boulder Off-road Alliance
for a $10 fee. Boulder Farmer's Market, 13th & Arapahoe, Adam Massey, 303.667.2467,
www.boa-mtb.org
Pee Wee's Big Adventure
Saturday, June 19,7:00 p.m.
Hosted by Boulder Outdoor Cinema. Join fellow bikers
participating in the Walk and BikeWeek Pre-Party to watch Pee Wee search for his prized
possesion: his crusier bike. Boulder Outdoor Cinema, 14th and Arapahoe (Behind BMoCA),
Dave Reipe, 303.444.1351, www.outdoorcinema.com
City of Boulder's Garage Sale
Monday, June 21,10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Hosted by Transportation Resource Center. Come to
the TRC to find bargains on t-shirts, water bottles, and other promotional items from Boulder
Race Series and other events of past years. 1401 Walnut Street ( just a half block north of the
RTD transit station at 14th and Walnut), Jan Ward, 303.441.4938, www.gettingthere.com
Bike to Work Day Breakfast
Wednesday, June 23,7:00 - 9:00 a.m.*
Hosted by GO Boulder. Enjoy a complimentary
breakfast at one of more than 40 breakfast stations in Boulder county for choosing not to drive a
car today! *Select stations will begin serving at 6:30 a.m.. A breakfast station near you! Brook
Stableford, 303.441.1879, www.goboulder.net
The Great 55th Street Egg Relay
Wednesday, June 23,12:00 p.m.
Hosted by Roche Colorado Corporation. This contest of wills
and coordination pits corporate teams of three bikers and one pedestrian in a timed relay event,
with each participant balancing an egg in a spoon from their mouth…while negotiating an
obstacle course. There will be plenty of thrills and spills to enjoy! 2323 55th Street (Boulder
Humane Society), John Tayer, 303.938.6414, www.rochecolorado.com
Bike to Work Day Happy Hour
Wednesday, June 23,4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Join fellow Bike to Work Day participants at this first
ever happy hour. Drink and food specials for participants, be on-site to win a cool New Belgium
Brewing Company cruiser bike. The bike giveaway drawing will be at 6:30 p.m., Old Chicago's,
1102 Pearl Street.
Bicycle Friendly Community Award Ceremony & Celebration
Wednesday, June 23,5:00 p.m.
The League of American Bicyclists will present the Gold
Award to Boulder for being a Bicycle Friendly Community. The award will be accepted by
Mayor Will Toor. Then, peddle to the groove with a performance by the musical group “Front
Range Burners and Guests”. Sponsored by Boulder Community Hospital. City of Boulder,
Central Park band shell, Broadway at Canyon Blvd, 303-441-3266.
Uni-Hill 2K & Kid's 1K
Thursday, June 24,6:00 p.m.
Hosted by Downtown Boulder. Walk or run to participate in this
2003 Boulder Race Series event. 13th Street & College, Jan Ward, 303.413.7316,
www.gettingthere.com
Seniors on Bikes Ride
Friday, June 25,8:30 a.m.
Hosted by Seniors on Bikes. Join the Seniors on Bikes group for a
FREE scenic ride along Boulder Creek path. Meet at Eben G. Fine park. Ride to Martin Park to
enjoy a contenential breakfast. Eben G. Fine Park to Martin Park, Marion Gately, 303.443.7623