11 Lincoln Organizations Named Bicycle Friendly
This year, the League of American Bicyclists recognized a record 11 Lincoln area organizations, including four downtown businesses, with a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning them a place alongside 1,366 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America.
By kicking off the New Year alongside 153 new and renewing BFBs, these businesses, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies in all 50 states and Washington, DC, in a commitment to transform American workplaces to be more welcoming to customers and employees who bike.
“When places make it easier for people to choose to bike, they are building safer, stronger, and better connected communities,” Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists said. “The League of American Bicyclists is thrilled when organizations like these 11 Lincoln businesses join us in this movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America. When more people are biking to work or shop, life is better for everyone.”
An important part of a growing trend not just in Lincoln, but nationwide, is recognizing how important supporting bicycling can be for building better, safer, more connected communities through bike-friendly accommodations for employees & patrons.
One recipient of the Bronze award this year is The Lincoln Running Company, located at 1213 Q St.
“As a running, walking, just ‘be fit’ store we feel it is part of our job to encourage our customers to cycle to our store and if we do that we need to be as ‘bicycle friendly’ as we possibly can,” owner Ann Ringlein said. “Three-fourths of our employees bike to work, and we want them as safe as possible on their way here—so trails and protected bike lanes hit home here! It was a no-brainer to apply for this award and again, to receive it is an honor. BikeLNK has been such a positive source for everyone in Downtown Lincoln and we couldn’t have done this without their encouragement and help!”
“Healthy, vibrant communities are made up of the strong connections between the people within it,” Granquist said. “Biking does just that! You experience Lincoln on another level, with all five senses, taking it all in. Places that support varied transportation options for patrons and employees show that they are not just invested in active, healthy living but a better environment for everyone.” BikeLNK city manager Jamie Granquist is passionate about the Lincoln community working together to make biking around town more accessible.
Moving forward, these amazing organizations will have access to a variety of tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. When employees bike, great things happen: through bike commuting we decrease our carbon footprint, connect to our community, and it makes for a fun and healthy work culture.
To learn more about the BFB program, or to apply, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/business.
Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy.
For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.