5 Bay Area Cities Among The Most Bicycle-Friendly In The Country, Nonprofit Says

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Five Bay Area cities have earned the gold-level award from a nonprofit that promotes bicycling through advocacy and education for their efforts to make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Palo Alto, San Francisco, Oakland, Menlo Park and Alameda make up five of eight California cities that have won the gold-level award from the League of American Bicyclists, making them some of the most bike-friendly cities across the country. Only 32 cities hold the gold-level award nationwide.

To be awarded the gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, officials must take steps to improve their city's infrastructure to support safe biking and walking. The League of American Bicyclists has a roadmap that cities can follow to improve conditions for bikers and pedestrians.

Cities such as Oakland have held the gold distinction for a few years now, but Alameda is a newcomer to the ranks, thanks in part to infrastructure improvements across the city over the last five years.

"Biking protects our environment, keeps us healthy, and saves Alamedans money," Assemblymember Mia Bonta, who represents cities such as Alameda and Oakland, said. "Alameda is a forward-thinking city, and we’re once again ahead of the pack."

Chico, San Luis Obispo and Santa Monica are the other three California cities to reach gold-level status.

A platinum and diamond tier also exists for the Bicycle Friendly Community Award. Only Davis holds the platinum distinction, while no California city has reached the diamond tier., rankings show.