The League of American Bicyclists is recognizing Davis, Calif., as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the platinum level, the first time the top designation has been awarded to any community in the United States. Two communities are recognized at the  bronze level (Albuquerque, N.M. and Vancouver, Wash.), bringing the total number of communities in the program to 52.

“We're delighted to recognize Davis as an outstanding city for bicycling,” said Andy Clarke, executive director of the League   of American Bicyclists. “For forty years, Davis has had one of  the highest levels of bicycle use in the country – currently 17 percent of journeys to work are made by bike. This comes as a direct result of policies and choices they have made over the years. Bike lanes and trails permeate the community and enable people of all ages to ride to school, to work, and for recreation and errands. The city and university also have exemplary education, encouragement and enforcement programs.”

“We're ecstatic to receive the award, particularly at this level,” said Tim Bustos, bicycle/pedestrian coordinator for the City of Davis. “We see the platinum award as a great recognition of our efforts and also as encouragement to continue pursuing whatever means necessary to maintain and improve our level of accommodation.”

The rapidly-growing university town of Davis has a population   of 64,300. More than 100 miles of streets with bike lanes, trails, and other bicycle routes combine with quiet streets and thousands of bicycle parking spaces to make a great environment for bicycling. There are more than 25 grade- separated intersections keeping bicycle and motor vehicle traffic movements apart. The city recently hosted an International Cycle History Conference and appointed a Bicycle Advisory Committee for the first time in many years.

“Davis can now look to emulate great international cycling cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam,” said Clarke. “The city cannot rest on its laurels. Davis also has a responsibility to help other communities – such as Portland, Ore. and Boulder, Colo. who are close to achieving platinum status – learn from their work.”

Twelve communities renewed their Bicycle Friendly Community status by updating their applications and demonstrating continued progress in making their communities better places to bike. The renewing communities are: Arlington, Va.; Bloomington, Ind.; Boca Raton, Fla.; Brunswick, Maine; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Folsom, Calif.; Gilbert, Ariz.; Mesa, Ariz.; Portland, Ore.; Tempe, Ariz.; Washington, D.C.; and Auburn, Ala.

The League's Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign is a national grassroots effort to increase the number of trips made by bike, promote physical fitness, and help make communities more livable. The Campaign works in the most effective way possible – town by town, city by city – to encourage bicycling and achieve a bicycle-friendly America. The Campaign is supported by a generous grant from the Bikes Belong Coalition (www.bikesbelong.org ).

  # # #

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.organd www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org .

Portland, Ore. *

Tempe, Ariz. *

Click here for all currently awarded communities