The latest round of Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designations kicked off National Bike Month last week. This was one of the strongest groups of applicants we've seen with a lot of solid projects and programs from communities all across the country - from 1,200 people in Sisters, Ore. to more than 8 million in New York City. Twenty-one communities received awards, out of 45 new applicants. Minneapolis, Minn. earned a gold-level award, the highest award of this round. Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. all received silver- BFC designations. The cities are now competing to be the first to earn gold. Read more about the BFC winners and the BFC program by clicking on our Bicycle Friendly America Map.

The Federal Highway Administration has announced that $422 million in discretionary grant funds is available from 11 funding sources. However, the FY2011 budget requires that all funds be discretionary, meaning that projects will be based on merit selection through an application process. Read more on the eligibility of bicycle and pedestrian projects for the federal-aid transportation programs.

America's mayors want more control over federal transportation money. That is according to a survey released by the United States Conference of Mayors. And what would they spend it on? Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure would be near the top of their list. "As the federal government sets priorities for long-term spending and deficit reduction, future transportation infrastructure investments should focus spending on pressing metropolitan transportation infrastructure needs as opposed to low-priority highway expansion projects such as the infamous Bridge to Nowhere," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Read how bicycling and walking rank high among the biggest challenges identified by the mayors.

Last week Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Steven LaTourette (R-OH) introduced a Complete Streets bill, called the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011, to the House of Representatives. The measure would help ensure safe travel for millions of Americans by directing states and regions to adopt policies to provide for the needs of all users of the transportation system, including people of all ages and abilities who are walking, bicycling, and taking the bus. Should the bill pass, states would have two years to pass a law or put in place a DOT policy to require that "all transportation projects in the State shall accommodate the safety and convenience of all users in accordance with complete streets principles." Read more about the Safe and Complete Streets Act of 2011.

There have been numerous bike summits in a range of locations throughout the first quarter of 2011. The same is true for the spring and summer. Here is a short sampling of upcoming spring and summer bike summits. If there are any that are not on this list, please e-mail meghan@bikeleague.org

• Montgomery Bicycling Conference - May 14 in Maryland
• Ontario Bike Summit - June 27-28 in Ottawa
• 2011 Michigan Bicycle Summit - August 26-28 in Lansing, Mich.  

The Ride of Silence is a global event that takes place every May during Bike Month. Last year, there were more than 321 locations worldwide, including rides in all 50 states. On May 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM, the Ride of Silence will begin in North America and roll across the globe. Cyclists will take to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. There are no sponsors and no registration fees. The ride aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to the public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those who have been killed or injured. Read more on the Ride of Silence.

The League remains committed to educating cyclists, and we're also working on educating motorists.

• We're working with AAA to help insert the right messages about cyclists rights into their motorist education programs.
• We're equipping our League Cycling Instructors with new training materials aimed at motorists.  
• We're pursuing justice and motorist education in communities where cyclists are being hit.  

We can't do it without you. Please donate today to help us reach more motorists with these life-saving messages.

Is your club new or looking to improve? Check out our new Club Leadership Resources page for a variety of sample documents from member clubs. Also, join our new Club Leadership e-mail list, to facilitate discussion of common challenges and to ensure you have the latest club information.

The League's Club Leadership program is on the pulse of all the latest trends and resources for club leaders and volunteers. The next training is May 10 at 8pm and will discuss Club Leadership 101. We'll cover issues fundamental to any bicycle club, including incorporation and nonprofit status. Panelists from new and growing organizations will share their lessons learned. Register now! And please take our survey on Club Leadership Training, to help us improve the program.

If you need more information, e-mail Scott Williams.

The City of Richmond, Va. is hiring a Business Management Officer (Pedestrian, Bicycle, & Trails Coordinator). Learn more about the Richmond job.

The City of Guelph, Ontario, Canada is hiring a Travel Demand Management (TDM) Coordinator. Read about the Guelph opportunity.

This issue of American Bicyclist Update was brought to you by the support of our members. If you're a League member, thank you. If you're not a member, please consider joining the League of American Bicyclists.

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 or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.