Another gold star for Tucson as bike-friendly city

Just announced – The USA’s oldest and most respected bicycling association has recognized Tucson once again as one of the nation’s most Bicycle-Friendly Communities.

The League of American Bicyclists, the organization founded in 1880 that represents 57 million bicyclists, revealed today that it is renewing Tucson’s “gold level status” – noting that there are only six cities in the entire country honored with this gold level designation. This designation is a significant accomplishment, as cities selected for the honor must meet rigorous criteria in five categories before even being considered. The categories involve bike safety education, enforcement of cyclist rights, inclusion of bike lane study in regional transportation plans and other factors.

The bicycle-friendly environment program was initiated by the League in 2003 and since then hundreds of cities across the country have applied for the program. Only 84 communities have been so honored, most of them falling in the bronze or silver designation. Tucson’s gold status keeps us in good company, with cities like Boulder, San Francisco and Palo Alto – also designated as gold.

In 2006, Mayor Walkup said it best at Tucson’s original gold honor ceremony: “The Tucson region puts quality of life and quality of place first,” Walkup said. “Thousands of Tucson residents and visitors use their bicycles for transportation, recreation or sports. We are also committed to enhancing bicycling safety in the region and to encouraging others to hop on their bicycles and take a ride around Tucson.”

Tucson also supports bicycles as alternative transportation to and from work, and employers are encouraged to enhance their facilities and provide Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms as described in the Alternative Transportation for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building rating System. It’s all part of being a green and bike-friendly city.

You can join in the celebration of Tucson’s recertification as a Bicycle-Friendly Community on May 15, when Mayor Walkup will lead a “celebration ride” followed by an awards ceremony. It all begins at 8am in Randolph Golf Complex – so, if you’re interested in participating in the ride, contact the Pima Association of Governments.