Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized South Bend with a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Award. The award recognizes South Bend for “impressive commitments to bicycling” through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. South Bend is only the second Indiana community to ever receive the Silver BFC Award. Furthermore, South Bend joins just eight other Midwestern cities with a population of 100,000 or more to receive a Silver Level or higher BFC Award.
The Bike Michiana Coalition celebrated the news, saying “This designation confirms the continued progress South Bend has made as a community that respects cycling and cyclists by advancing safe design and celebrating culture. It also represents many community partnerships, not the least of which is the strong relationship between the Bike Michiana Coalition and the City of South Bend over the last decade.”
In July of 2017, Mayor Pete Buttigieg announced a partnership with LimeBike to provide an innovative new bike sharing program to residents. By December, over 27,000 active riders had biked a combined 85,000 miles on LimeBikes, equal to 3.5 laps around the Earth. The City has also installed 79.3 miles of protected bike lanes and cycle tracks across South Bend, along with green painted crossings and bicycle signals. Moving forward, South Bend will continue to find ways to improve biking conditions for residents.
“This important designation reflects our efforts to be among Indiana’s leading bike-inclusive communities. I am thankful to the Bike Michiana Coalition and other community partners who have worked with us towards this goal. Whether cycling for commuting or leisure, residents should feel comfortable on two wheels throughout our city.” Mayor Buttigieg said.
May is National Bike Month, and the City encourages residents to go outside and experience some of South Bend’s bike routes. To learn more about the BFC Award, visit bikeleague.org/community. To learn more about biking in South Bend, visit southbendin.gov/residents/content/bike-south-bend.
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