News Release - City Receives ‘Bicycle Friendly Community Award' From League of American Bicyclists

City of Rochester

News Release

Complete-Street(Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012) — Mayor Thomas S. Richards today accepted a national recognition for the City of Rochester from the League of American Bicyclists. Rochester — one of only two cities in New York State to be so honored — was named the recipient of a “Bicycle Friendly Community” Award during a Navigating MAP-21 Bicycle/Pedestrian Advocacy Conference held in Rochester. New York City is also a New York State recipient and one of the 242 award designees nationally.

The City received a Bronze level award for its commitment to improving cycling conditions through investments in cycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.

“The City of Rochester is honored to be recognized by such a prestigious organization for our commitment to creating a community that is more accessible and friendly to cyclists and pedestrians,” said Mayor Thomas S. Richards. “The Bronze Award is recognition that our hard work to integrate bicycling and walking into our community is paying off.”

The League of American Bicyclists advocates for improved cycling conditions in communities nationwide, representing the interests of 57 million bicyclists nationwide in addition to its 300,000 members and affiliates.

“The popularity of this program is clear evidence that simple steps to make bicycling safe and comfortable pay huge dividends in civic, community and economic development,” said League President Andy Clarke.

The City completed its Rochester Bicycle Master Plan in 2011, and is now including Bike Lane and Shared Use Lane (Sharrow) markings on many of its street design projects, as well as other amenities such as bike racks, bike shelters, bike lockers and bicycle service repair stations. The Master Plan, as well as the Complete Streets Policy, also approved in 2011, have improved access for cyclists, pedestrians and persons with disabilities along Rochester’s streets and within neighborhoods.

Since completing these documents, the City has installed more than 11 miles of on-street bike lanes or shared-use lanes and another 46 lane miles are programmed or proposed. Multi-use trails, such as the Genesee Riverway Trail and the newly-opened El Camino Trail, continue to be enhanced and extended. The City has installed 30 miles of multi-use trails and another four miles are planned.

In addition, over 100 bike racks have been installed, as well as other bicycle infrastructure such as bike shelters and bike repair stands. The City’s “ROC the Bike!” initiative and its Bike Week celebrations, promoting cycling in Rochester, have also boosted the number of bicycling enthusiasts. Additional information on bicycling in Rochester is located at www.cityofrochester.gov.

More information about the Bicycle Friendly Communities program and the League of American Bicyclists can be found at: bikeleague.org/community.


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News Media: For more information, contact Erik Frisch, City of Rochester Transportation Specialist, at 428-6709.