City of Madison Recertified as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community

The City of Madison has been recertified as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Every four years, the City is required to apply to continue to be designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community and since 2015 Madison has received a platinum designation. This designation recognizes the City of Madison for its continuing commitment to safe transportation and better bicycling for residents of all ages and abilities. 

“In Madison we are always working to make every mode of transportation safer and more inviting for our residents and visitors, whether that’s walking, taking public transportation or biking,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “This recognition is an honor that reminds us how lucky we are to have miles of bikeable and walkable paths right in our own backyards and how important it is that we keep them safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.”

This round of Bicycle Friendly Community awards includes 58 new and renewing awardees, joining a total of 480 current Bicycle Friendly Communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Platinum designation recognizes Madison for its growing network of bike paths and lanes, and recognizes the City’s bike friendly policies. This designation would not be possible without the activities and events supported by local community organizations. These organizations support youth bike education, offer free bike repair opportunities, organize the annual Bike Week events and hold rides and events throughout the year in Madison. 

More than 870 communities have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, which provides a roadmap to making biking better for communities of all shapes and sizes. While the award process considers very visible elements such as bike infrastructure, other essential elements include efforts around adult and youth bike education, encouragement through events like Bike to Work Day, evaluation mechanisms, and enforcement all through the lens of equity. The rigorous application process is an educational tool in itself and includes an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their experiences and perceptions of bicycling in their community.  

“Today, we celebrate 58 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities that exemplify an ongoing commitment to make bicycling safe, comfortable, and accessible to all,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “This round of awards is a testament to the dedication of the growing network of changemakers who with the League are raising the standard of what it means to be a Bicycle Friendly Community.”

The five levels of the BFC award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve their infrastructure, accesses and policies. Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure that they not only maintain existing efforts, but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards, and community-driven best practices.  

To learn more about the BFC program.

Image credit: KL Engineering