Title
Resolution Supporting Greensboro’s Reapplication to be Designated a Bike Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists
Body
Department: Transportation
Council District: Citywide
Public Hearing: N/A
Advertising Date/By: N/A
Contact 1 and Phone: Adam Fischer 373-2861
Contact 2 and Phone: Tyler Meyer 373-2254
PURPOSE:
The League of American Bicyclists designated the City of Greensboro as a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community for a four year term in 2009 and again in 2013. The application for renewal is due August 17, 2017. A resolution is required for City Council to demonstrate support for reapplication.
BACKGROUND:
The Bicycle Friendly Community program is an initiative of the League of American Bicyclists. The intent of the program is to recognize communities working to improve conditions for cyclists and to provide customized feedback on how designated communities can become more bicycle friendly. Encouraging bicycling for transportation and recreation and creating safe bicycle facilities are important strategies for improving public health, reducing traffic demands, improving air quality and increasing personal fitness. Bicycle Friendly Communities also enjoy increased property values, business growth, increased tourism, and more transportation choices for citizens.
For the City of Greensboro, a renewed Bicycle Friendly Community designation will be an important recognition that bicycling has become an integral part of the area’s transportation system. Evidence of that includes City Council’s adoption of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan Update (BiPed Plan) in 2016; new greenway and bicycle lane facilities; the City's participation in the Watch for Me NC education, enforcement, and encouragement campaign; and the new LimeBike dockless bike share program rolling out in August 2017. The designation also recognizes increasing community interest and bicycling usage; the bicycling advocacy community’s efforts to promote bicycling; and the efforts of partners such as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, designated as a Bicycle Friendly University.
Applications are due August 17, 2017 and review will begin a few weeks after submittal. After local bicyclists and reviewers are consulted, the application is sent to a panel of national bicycling experts. Awards and feedback will be announced in Fall 2017.
BUDGET IMPACT:
No additional City funds are required for this application and/or designation.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
The Transportation Department recommends and requests City Council adopt the attached resolution supporting the City of Greensboro’s reapplication to be designated a Bicycle Friendly Community.