BTA Helps Portland Win Platinum!
"Bicycle Friendly Community Award" goes to six Oregon cities
Press Release
Presented by the League of American Bicyclists, the Bicycle Friendly Community Award recognizes municipalities that actively support bicycling. A Bicycle-Friendly Community provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. LAB grades communities on five criteria: engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation and planning.Over the last five years, the BTA has worked closely with elected officials, transportation experts, business leaders, and other advocates to help cities in Oregon win these awards. The work has paid off. This year, Portland became the first major U.S. city to win a Platinum-level designation. Other Bicycle Friendly Communities in Oregon include Ashland, Beaverton, Bend (all bronze), Corvallis (gold), and Eugene (silver).
When more people try bicycling, communities experience reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and greater physical fitness. In addition, bicycle-friendly cities are often seen as places with a high quality of life. This translates into increased property values, business growth, and increased tourism.
