For Immediate Release
 
 
Contact:  
Elizabeth Murphy
Communications Manager
League of American Bicyclists
(202)-621-5458
Liz@BikeLeague.org 

Federal Agencies Becoming Bike Friendly 

Government workers are setting an example in the nation's capital and beyond

Washington, D.C. - Nov. 7, 2013 -- Despite the recent government shutdown, federal workers in the nation's capital are pedaling through the gridlock toward a healthier and more vibrant future.

 

Today, the League of American Bicyclists announced 91 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFB) from across the country, extending the program to 43 states and Washington, D.C.  These new awardees join a trendsetting group of more than 600 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.

 

Click here for the full list of BFB awardees. 

  

"Government agencies are definitely following the lead of the private sector in creating better places to work," said  Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "That's particularly exciting because the health savings, environmental benefits and increased productivity of a healthier and happier workforce benefit us all. Let's hope the politicians on Capitol Hill are paying attention to this good work!" 

  

Bicycle Friendly Businesses encourage a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere for employees and customers alike. BFBs attract and retain energized, alert and productive employees, while decreasing healthcare costs.

 

The National Park Service, which manages the nation's parks and National Mall, moved up from Bronze to Silver this round. 

 

"The National Park Service is working to to encourage sustainable transportation options for our visitors and is nice to be acknowledged for that effort," said Bob Vogel, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. "It is the mission of the National Park Service to preserve our nation's natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of future generations and those who use alternative transportation, like cyclists, will help us do that."

  

The Federal Communications Commission moved up from Bronze to Silver this round. The FCC has seen its number of bike commuters double since the agency received Bronze, and leaders look forward to even more participation with this latest announcement.

 

 "Here at the FCC we are committed to the health and wellness of our staff," said Wanda Sims, Associate Managing Director of the FCC. "As we prepare for the arrival of our new chairman, I am looking forward to briefing him on our Health and Wellness program, especially the cycling initiative, which continues to be one of the hallmarks of our program."

  

Robert Cannon, FCC Bicycle Coordinator, says: "The best part of my day is my commute: Biking along the Potomac River while watching the sun rise over the U.S. Capitol is wonderful."

 

Also based in D.C., the International Monetary Fund is a new Bronze-level business. The IMF boasts more than 400 registered bicyclists in its workforce.

 

"Biking to work has become part of the IMF's culture" said Scott McMillanIMF Facilities Management Division Chief. "The Fund supports our cyclist community by providing parking, showers and locker facilities and organizes extensive and comprehensive outreach events to promote alternative commuting."    

 

To apply or learn more about the free BFB program, visit the League online at bikeleague.org/businesses.

 

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About the Bicycle Friendly America Program: The Bicycle Friendly America program provides incentives, hands-on assistance and award recognition for communities, universities and businesses that actively support bicycling, and ranks states annually based on their level of bike-friendliness. Learn more.   

  

About the League: 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.  Learn more.

New Fall 2013 Awardees:

Gold:
Absolute Bikes, Inc.
Hodkings Beckley 
     Consulting, LLC
INDYCOG
Rotating Mass Media
 
Silver:
Aero Tech Designs
Balihoo
Bike Shop
Cascade Engineering
El Meson Restaurant
Elemental Technologies
Erwin Penland
Europa Cycle & Ski
Georges Cycles and Fitness
Hawkins Partners, Inc.
Integral Consulting, Inc.
Ironman Consulting LLC
Laura Holman's Hom
     Daycare 
Metropolitan Richmond 
     Sports Backers
Middle Davids Artison 
     Candles, Inc.
Northtowne Cycling & Fitness
Rocky Mountain Outdoor 
     Center
Town of Oro Valley
Zero Fossil

Bronze:
2500 Wilson Boulevard
AMD - Sunnyvale, CA
Kittelson & Associates, Inc. - 
     Baltimore, MD
Barkley REI - Pittsburgh, PA
Bike Chattanooga
Cargas Systems
Cashman Equipment Co.
City of Chula Vista - Civi 
     Center
City of Las Vegas
Cogentes, Inc.
CSHQA
CUNA Mutual Group
Daily Groceries Co-op
Department of 
     Environmental Quality
DuPont Pioneer
Earl's Cyclery Fitness
ECI/Hyer, Inc.
Elliot Associates, Inc.
Emerald Necklace 
     Conservancy
ERO Resources Corporation
ExperiencePlus! Bicycle 
     Tours
Fish and Wildlife Service
FLAVORS! Inc.
Fletcher Allen Health Care
Foerstel
Gateway Monterey Inc.
Gordon Food Service
Gundersen Health System - 
     La Crescent and Viroqua
HDR, Inc.
Healthy Howard, Inc.
Hile Group
HUB Endurance
Human Nature, Inc.
Idaho Department of Water 
     Resources
International Monetary Fund
Jesuit Volunteer Corps 
     Northwest
Las Vegas Cyclery
Life Technologies
Louisville Metro 
     Development Center
Metropolitan Area Planning 
     Council
Mill Inn
Mountain Rose Herbs
National Renewable Energy 
     Laboratory 

See the full list of awardees here.