October 18th, 2012 - 1:13 pm

Maryland Adds Fourth “Bicycle Friendly” Community

By Ron Cassie

Courtesy: Bike Rockville's Facebook page

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) announced today, that among other communities, Rockville has earned official “Bicycle Friendly” status.

The recognition of Rockville’s strides in bicycle education, infrastructure improvements, encouragement and enforcement of safety regulations, makes the Montgomery County city the fourth Maryland community to earn the national distinction. Baltimore, Bethesda and Frederick also LAB Bicycle Friendly communities.

All the Maryland communities have earned “bronze” level recognition from LAB.

Rockville has a long-active citizen bicycle advisory committee.

Baltimore City earned Bicycle Friendly status two years ago, with infrastructure work, contributions by nonprofit Bike Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts, as well as events like the Kinetic Sculpture Race and Patterson Park’s annual Bike Jam, receiving shoutouts. The Baltimore City-based Knott Foundation and Baltimore-metro area Race Pace Bicycles are two of eight "Bicycle Friendly" businesses in the state. The University of Maryland College Park is the only state college or institution with a LAB "Bicycle Friendly" distinction.
 
According to the League of American Bicyclists’ 2012 “Bicycle Friendly” state rankings, Maryland currently ranks 8th nationally. Washington and Minnesota rank first and second, respectively; New Jersey [against stereotype, perhaps] ranks just ahead of Maryland in 7th place.
 
From the League of American Bicyclists’ press release:
 

“Showcasing the progress and potential of major U.S. cities to make bicycling safe and accessible for millions of Americans, Los Angeles (Calif.), Nashville (Tenn.), and Miami (Fla.) are among the 28 new cities to attain BFC status from the League of American Bicyclists.  

"This latest round of BFC awards proves yet again that any city — regardless of size or geography — can take cost-effective steps to increase bicycling in their community," said League President Andy Clarke. "From Bentonville, Arkansas, to Bethesda, Maryland, cities are embracing biking as a means to save money, reduce congestion, improve health and boost their economy."

The League awards Bicycle Friendly Communities at five levels (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze) and, with this diverse round of applicants, there are now 242 BFCs in 47 states. With the guidance and expertise of the BFC program, these communities are propelling the growth in bicycling nationwide. According to recent census data, bicycle commuting grew 80 percent in the largest BFCs, but only 32 percent in non-BFC cities, from 2000 to 2011."

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