Springfield recognized as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists
Category Spotlight On | Posted on May 20, 2021
Springfield, MO is a League of American Bicyclists recognized Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community!
In February, our community applied for the League of American Bicyclists’ prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community award. It has long been a goal to be a recognized leader for the work our transportation professionals and local citizens have put in over the years to make our community more accessible by bike. Today, we’re proud to be part of the nearly 500 communities across the United States that are transforming America one Bicycle Friendly Community at a time. We were successful in renewing at the Bronze Level, and this designation is valid for four years.
“Biking in America has shown great resilience in light of trying times and it’s so important that communities like Springfield have laid the groundwork over several years to make biking a safe, accessible option for all. As so many Americans have turned to biking as a fun way to get outdoors and as a necessary transportation option, we must keep the momentum to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone going,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “This Bicycle Friendly Community award is the culmination of years of work put in by our community and its citizen advocates for better biking. This award round, Springfield, MO joins 37 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities in the movement toward healthier, more sustainable and connected places. As we progress through 2021, we’re proud that our community and communities like it are pedaling alongside us to power this movement.”
People across our community are biking more than ever, for commuting to work, trips to the store, and for recreation. The Bronze Level BFC award recognizes Springfield's commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, policies, and bike infrastructure. We still have more work to do, but we are making forward progress.
"One of our Community’s strategic priorities is “Quality of Place”. People want to live in a community that provides access to trails and bike lanes for transportation and recreation. Our Community is committed to expanding our BFC efforts as we (re)develop neighborhoods and improve our transportation infrastructure. Many initiatives such as Grant Avenue Parkway, our Jordan Valley developments and expansion of our Greenway trails are shining examples of current commitments with much more to come!" stated Councilman Richard Ollis and Walkability Team Member.
Learn more about the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community program at bikeleague.org/community.