LAKELAND, FL — The League of American Bicyclists has awarded the City of Lakeland a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designation.
The award recognizes the city’s efforts to improve conditions for bicycling through investments in bike education programs, regular bike events to promote bicycling, pro-bike policies, and bike infrastructure.
Lakeland is among 79 new and renewing awardees announced in this round, contributing to a total of 444 current Bicycle Friendly Communities across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Of these, 52 communities received Bronze-level awards.
The designation is part of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program, which evaluates communities on elements including engineering (bike infrastructure), education (adult and youth bike programs), encouragement (events such as Bike to Work Day), enforcement, and evaluation, with consideration of equity.
Communities must renew their status every four years to maintain the designation and align with updated standards, technology, and best practices.
Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, stated that the recognized communities are part of a national movement supporting bicycling as a safe, accessible, and valuable component of everyday life through practical steps.
“The City of Lakeland is honored to be recognized for our commitment to support and promote bicycle accessibility for our community. We appreciate our partnership with the League of American Bicyclists, along with our local partners, all of whom are collaborators in providing safe pathways for all modes of transportation,” said City of Lakeland Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley.
Over 900 communities have applied to the program, which serves as a roadmap for improving bicycling conditions and includes input from local bicyclists and advocates.
More information on the Bicycle Friendly Community program is available at bikeleague.org/community.
The League of American Bicyclists, established in 1880, leads efforts to create a Bicycle Friendly America and promote bicyclists’ rights. Additional details are available at www.bikeleague.org.
SOURCE: CITY OF LAKELAND
