College Station was recently named among 26 other communities as a bicycle-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists.
In May 2003, 14 communities were given the Bicycle Friendly Community designation. The League honored another 13 communities, including College Station, in October.
"This award is a way to recognize communities around the country that have done the extra work and that have built support to become bicycle friendly," said Patrick McCormick, communications director for the League of American Bicyclists.
The League of American Bicyclists is an awards program acknowledging cities that actively support bicycling. A bicycle-friendly community provides secure accommodations for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation.
Cherie Norman, a junior marketing major who trained in town for a triathlon, said she believes College Station is a good city for bikers.
"I've noticed from traveling to different towns that this is one of the only places that has bike lanes," Norman said.
Jason Ballard, a junior vertebrae zoology major and triathlete, said motorists elsewhere do not always give courtesy to bikers because the sport is relatively uncommon in the United States. College Station, however, is more biker friendly, he said.
"In town is great because there are a lot of bike lanes and people are used to seeing a lot of bikers," Ballard said. "Out of town is great, too, because it isn't very populated and the roads have big shoulders."
Still, many students use their bikes simply to get to and from classes on campus. Junior civil engineering major Scott Gilger said he uses his bike for transportation to classes because he lives near campus.
"It's convenient for me to bike rather than ride the bus or walk," Gilger said. "It saves time."
The league did not grant the highest-level platinum award to any communities. College Station received the bronze-level award for the League's bicycle friendly community.
"College Station put together an intensive application," said Anthony Yoder, senior program manager for the League of American Bicyclists. "I was particularly impressed with the high percentage of bicycle commuters and the Bike-to-Work Day."
The city provides food to promote bike commuting on Bike-to-Work Day. This year, more than 500 residents participated.
According to the League of American Bicyclists Web site, the staff and reviewers consider several factors before deeming a community "bicycle friendly." Factors include the environment, education programs, encouragement for people to ride or ride more often, enforcement of traffic laws for both motorists and bicyclists and future plans and improvements. College Station's plans for 2004 include a bike loop connecting parks, schools and residential areas.
"This is an incredible improvement for 2004," Yoder said.
The city also plans to endorse revisions to its development ordinances and require new commercial properties to provide bike parking facilities.
"College Station and our other bicycle friendly communities display uncommon political commitment, technical expertise and community involvement to become better places to bicycle," said Elissa Margolin, executive director for the League of American Bicyclists. "The rewards for residents are huge: reduced traffic, better air quality, increased travel choices and greater opportunities to lead more active lifestyles."
Sarah Szuminski contributed to this report.
Be the first to comment on this article!