State College – Centre Region named a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
Press Release from Centre Region COG:
State College, PA – On November 17, 2016, the League of American Bicyclists recognized the State College – Centre Region by renewing the area’s designation as a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM (BFC). The State College – Centre Region area was part of the largest application round in the BFC program’s 13-year history. In total, 140 communities nationwide applied for recognition, a 62 percent increase from the previous largest round of applicants.
The State College – Centre Region is one of 404 communities currently recognized for their efforts to make biking better. “The growth in our BFC program reflects great progress in our mission to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. It is incredible to see the diversity of communities that applied, the communities that have been involved with the BFC program for years, and the grassroots efforts to improve conditions for bicycling throughout the United States of America,” said Ken McLeod, State & Local Policy Manager at the League of American Bicyclists.
“We applaud these communities for making bicycling a safe and convenient option for transportation and recreation,” said Bill Nesper, Vice President of Programs at the League of American Bicyclists. “We are encouraged by the growing number of leaders who see bicycling as a way to build more vibrant, healthy, sustainable and connected communities and be a part of the solution to many complex challenges faced at both the community and national levels. We look forward to continuing to work with these communities as we move closer to our mission of creating a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.”
“Since the State College – Centre Region was first designated in 2012, the Centre Region elected officials adopted the Centre Region Bike Plan, which provides a blueprint for our community to become a more bicycle friendly community; added several miles of bike lanes and shared use paths; established a Centre Region Bicycle Advisory Committee; offered bike education classes to the public; and six area businesses have been designated Bicycle Friendly BusinessesSM. CentreBike, our regional bike advocacy group, has also promoted and sponsored numerous bike related events and programs to encourage those who want to bike or bike more.” said Trish Meek, COG Senior Transportation Planner. Centre Region Council of Governments
The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community, and the application itself has become a rigorous and educational tool in itself. Since its inception, more than 800 distinct communities have applied and the five levels of the award — diamond, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze — provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve.
To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA.
The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. Bicycle Friendly Community is a service mark of the League of American Bicyclists and is used by permission.
For more information, contact Trish Meek, Transportation Planner, Centre Regional Planning Agency, 2643 Gateway Drive, Suite 4, State College, PA 16801; Phone: (814) 231-3050; Fax (814) 231-3083; E-mail: tmeek@crcog.net.
