(Washington, DC) – Mayor Bowser today announced that Washington, DC has been named a “Gold” Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, making the District the largest city on the East Coast to receive the designation.
“As we continue to improve and expand our bike infrastructure and make cycling a dynamic component of our city’s transportation network, this award is a testament to how far the District has come,” said Mayor Bowser. “Through smart investments that are helping us meet the needs of more residents and commuters, we continue to build a safer, stronger DC.”
Washington, DC earned Gold status based on a number of factors, including: the percentage of residents who bike to work (2nd nationally among large cities); the amount of bike lanes, cycletracks, and multi-use trails in the city; and Capital Bikeshare, which has 4,000 bikes at 270 stations in Washington, DC and more than 400 stations throughout the region.
“The League is thrilled to recognize the great work that has been done in Washington, DC, with this Gold Bicycle Friendly Community award,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists. “While there is more to do to make bicycling a safe, comfortable, and accessible option for all, our nation's capital stands as a model for other communities from every child receiving bicycling education to leading in bike sharing and expanding the bicycling network.”
“The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is proud DC is being recognized as national leader for bicycling with the Gold Bicycle Friendly Community Award,” said Washington Area Bicyclist Association Executive Director Greg Billing. “WABA has worked in partnership with the community and all levels of DC Government to make bicycling a safe and affordable mode of transportation. We look to forward to continuing to make bicycling more accessible and inclusive in all eight wards.”
The District’s Bicycle Friendly Community award was announced during the annual National Bike Summit in Washington, DC. Over the years, more than 800 communities have applied for the Bike Friendly Community designation. The designation is awarded in five levels: bronze, silver, gold, platinum, and diamond.