Oct 01 '05 - 428 W - Vote Good + 19 :: Bad - 9 We're Bike City, USA
A lot of cities are bike-friendly enough to qualify for the bronze level of the League of American Bicyclists. Fewer reach the silver level, and only a handful get the gold.
Davis, however, needed a category all its own.
Named the most bicycle-friendly city in the United States on Wednesday, Davis is the first and only member of the platinum level.
Davis is recognized for its more than 100 miles of streets with bike lanes, trails and other bicycle routes, thousands of bicycle parking spaces and 25 grade-separated intersections keeping bicycle and motor vehicle traffic apart.
The city also recently hosted an International Cycle History Conference and appointed a Bicycle Advisory Commission for the first time in many years.
Not only does Davis have a lot of bike-friendly planning, the people of Davis don't let it go to waste. According to Andy Clarke, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, 17 percent of trips to work are made by bike.
"We're delighted to recognize Davis as an outstanding city for bicycling," Clarke said. "For 40 years, Davis has had one of the highest levels of bicycle use in the country. This comes as a direct result of polices and choices they have made over the years. The city and university also have exemplary education, encouragement and enforcement programs."
Being the top in the nation, Davis must now compare itself to bike-oriented towns around the world, Clarke said.
"Davis can now look to emulate great international cycling cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam," he said. "The city cannot rest on its laurels. Davis also has a responsibility to help other communities - such as Portland, Ore., and Boulder, Colo., who are close to achieving platinum status - learn from their work."
For now, however, Davis people can revel in their platinum status.
"We're ecstatic to receive the award, particularly at this level," said Tim Bustos, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for the city of Davis. "We see the platinum award as a great recognition of our efforts and also as encouragement to continue pursuing whatever means necessary to maintain and improve our level of accommodation."
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org and www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org.
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