On August 17, 2017, the League of American Bicyclists recognized 60 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs), three of which are located in the Tampa Bay region. According to the League of American Bicyclists, the “Bicycle Friendly America program sets standards for what constitutes a real bicycling culture and environment.”

Local businesses are encouraged and supported by Bike/Walk Tampa Bay to apply to become BFBs. Establishments that were recognized this summer include !p POTENTIAL UNLEASHED, receiving a bronze designation, Pinellas Ale Works, receiving a silver designation, and University Area Community Development Corp., Inc., receiving a gold designation.

“The University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC) has made pedestrian and bicycle advocacy a strategic priority,” says Erica Nelson, Contract and Grant Coordinator for the UACDC.
Nelson applied to the BFB program because “most University Area community members ride bicycles as their main mode of transportation and the community infrastructure is missing bike lanes and proper riding to ensure safety for our residents,” she says. “The BFB application was an opportunity to reflect on what UACDC already provides, as well as the additional services that will strengthen bicycling in the community. By becoming a Bicycle Friendly Business, we are demonstrating our commitment to making the community a safer place to travel by providing facilities, fix-it stations and bike parking, in addition to training workshops and group rides.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the gold Bicycle Friendly Business designation will be held at UACDC’s Partners Coalition quarterly meeting on October 26, from 8:30am-10:30pm at UACDC. Be on the lookout for other upcoming bicycle friendly events in the community!