Washington, D.C. -- October 25, 2012 -- As voters look to the next president for economic growth, hundreds of American companies have already discovered a self-propelled means to boost their bottom line: make their business bicycle-friendly.  

Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized 71 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs) for their role in pedaling America toward greater prosperity and making their businesses welcoming to bicyclists. Headlined by iconic companies -- like Facebook, Apple, Inc., and the Hewlett-Packard Company -- this round of awards pushes the total number of BFBs to nearly 500 businesses in 42 states and the District of Columbia.   

"Businesses are the engine of our economy, but more and more companies are realizing the bicycle can be a powerful catalyst for increased profits, reduced health care costs, happier employees and more customers," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "We're excited to see the most innovative minds in technology, retail, and manufacturing voting for a more bicycle-friendly America and making significant contributions to our economic growth by promoting healthy, sustainable transportation."

Bicycle-friendly businesses encourage a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere for employees and customers alike. Through cost-effective investments, BFBs attract, reward and retain staff that are not only healthier and happier, but more productive, driven and passionate about the work they do and the communities they live in.  

Award winners in this round include:

• Facebook (Gold)
• Apple, Inc. (Silver)
• Burton Snowboards (Silver)
• Hewlett-Packard Company (Silver)
• Amway (Bronze)
• Angie's List (Bronze)
• General Mills (Bronze)
• William-Sonoma Inc. (Bronze) 

 Click here for the list of Fall 2012 awards.

 Click here for the full list of all Bicycle Friendly Businesses.  

Facebook, a new Gold-level BFB, is just one of the growing number of household names that has taken steps to encourage bicycling as a means to enhance the workplace, contribute to the community and improve their overall earnings. 

"We're honored to receive this award from the League of American Bicyclists," said Jessica Herrera, Facebook's Transportation Manager. "Over the years, we've focused on providing sustainable, green transportation alternatives to our employees. as well as helping our local neighborhood do the same. These efforts have included providing bicycles to our employees to use on or off campus, helping to re-stripe the roads around our neighborhood for the safety of cyclists in the area, and offering bicycle repairs onsite. Our employees are enthusiastic about these efforts, many choosing to cycle to work each day and others participating in events such as Bike to Work Day. We're proud to support these initiatives and look forward to more opportunities to help in the future."    

Visit bikeleague.org/businesses for a full list of Bicycle Friendly Businesses and to learn more. For photos, contacts and additional information on awardees, contact Carolyn Szczepanski, League Communications Director, at (202) 621-5452, Carolyn@bikeleague.org.