Area businesses earn national ‘Bicycle Friendly’ recognition

With more than 340 miles of paved, multi-use recreational trails – the nation's largest paved trail network – the Miami Valley is the ideal place to ride with family and friends for fun and fitness. The local cycling community recently received some additional accolades as two businesses earned national recognition as Bicycle Friendly Businesses by the League of American Bicyclists.

The League of American Bicyclists recognized Bike Miami Valley with a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Business award and the Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning with a Bronze designation. The local businesses are two of the 1,416 bicycle-friendly businesses across the country that have been recognized for building a more “Bicycle Friendly America.”

“We were thrilled to receive the platinum level award from the League,” said Bike Miami Valley Executive Director Laura Estandia. “Our nonprofit strives to practice what we preach by participating in the Bicycle Friendly Business Program. This designation reflects the effort we’ve put into a work environment that encourages biking to work.”

Bike Miami Valley has been at the forefront of advocacy and promotion of cycling for half a century. From developing events like the Miami Valley Cycling Summit to creating opportunities to ride with the addition of the Link Dayton Bike Share program, cycling is always center stage. Bike Miami Valley also has the current distinction of being the only platinum designated Bicycle Friendly Business in the state and one of only 71 nationwide.

The Bicycle Friendly America Program provides recognition and guidance for states, communities, universities and businesses in their efforts to enhance their bicycle-friendliness. And while much has changed since these businesses applied for the awards in February, some things remain constant.

“What hasn’t changed is the commitment of our Bicycle Friendly Business award winners to the health and well-being of their employees, customers, and community through the promotion and encouragement of bicycling as a means of transportation, fun, and fitness,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “We know more people are biking during the pandemic and we anticipate more Americans will rely on biking to work as a safe, socially distant method of transportation as employees go back to work.

“Thanks to the leadership of organizations like Bike Miami Valley and the Bergamo Center for Lifelong Learning, more people will have the opportunity to choose to bike.”