Simsbury Honored For Commitment To Bicycling

Courtesy of League of American Bicyclists

SIMSBURY, CT — A national bicycling organization says Simsbury is just a fine place to put away those car keys and hop on a bike to get to where you want to go.

The League of American Bicyclists honored Simsbury with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award.

Simsbury joins 506 communities across the country in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone.

The award recognizes Simsbury for its commitment to creating transportation and
recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging
healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.

“When we build an America where bicycling is truly safer and easier for everyone, we are
strengthening our nation’s economic vibrance, environmental welfare, and mental and physical
well-being.” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists.

The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for how
communities build and benchmark progress toward making biking better.

Earlier this year, the League made major updates to add and integrate equity and accessibility into the program’s application and emphasize the importance of building and connecting low-speed and low-stress bike networks.

This round of awards includes 45 new and renewing awardees, joining a total of 506 current
Bicycle Friendly Communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Silver BFC award recognizes Simsbury’s commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, regular bike events that promote and
encourage people to choose biking, pro-bike policies and bike infrastructure.

In 2010, Simsbury was awarded the first Bike Friendly Community award in Connecticut at the
Bronze level.

In 2014, Simsbury was a forerunner again, receiving the first Silver Bike Friendly
Community award in Connecticut.

“In Simsbury, we have always been committed to making our town a welcoming place for people on bikes of all shapes and sizes. We also know that safe biking and walking options attract people to communities, while helping to reduce traffic congestions that will improve air quality. It’s a win for everyone,” said Simsbury First Selectman First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis. . “Now we will work on stepping up our efforts, not only to maintain our Silver status, but to go for the Gold.”

For more information on the League of American Bicyclists, click on this link.

From March 10: 'Simsbury Eyes Status As A Bicycling Community'