September 30, 2011 - The City of Omaha was officially recognized as a "Bicycle Friendly Community" (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists today, at the Heartland Active Transportation Summit. Omaha is the 190th community to receive this distinction.
"The League congratulates Omaha and all of our BFC winners for implementing successful, long-term bicycle plans and programs that provide quality of life improvements for their citizens," said League President Andy Clarke. "Even in tough economic times it is clear that cities are choosing investment in bicycling as a key to building the places people want to live, work and visit."
The BFC award recognizes Omaha’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. According to the League of American Bicyclists, the judges were particularly impressed with Omaha’s unique public and private partnerships that led to the initiation of the Bike Omaha System which will encompass over 20 miles of on-street bicycle facilities, the launch of Omaha B-Cycle, and the Transportation Master Plan, which seeks to create a balanced transportation network for the city.
"In the past few years, we have made significant investments in active transportation, and we’re already seeing great results," said Mayor Suttle. "But I am not content with where we are at-we must continue to move our city forward."
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, visit www.bikeleague.org
