Wheel good award for city

The League of American Bicyclists has given New York City its Bicycle Friendly Community Award, recognition for the city’s commitment to improving cycling conditions - the first of its kind in the tri-state area.
The award, which was given to Mayor Bloomberg and Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan on Monday February 4 during a meeting at City Hall, is evidence of the bike-friendly policies adopted by Bloomberg’s administration said the League.
The BFC has four levels on which it ranks American cities. New York’s award is a bronze, the lowest level. In the award’s five-year existence, 174 communities have applied but only 70 have received the honor.
In accordance with PlaNYC, the mayor’s ambitious citywide vision for a greener New York, the award recognized the Big Apple’s new safety initiatives, a “share the road” ethic among bicyclists and drivers, and new investments in bicycle programs and facilities.
“A central part of our PlaNYC is to reduce carbon emissions by getting people out of cars. We’re trying to make it easier for people to use their bikes as a viable means of transportation and we appreciate this recognition,” said Mayor Bloomberg.
The judges from the BFC were especially impressed with what they described as “the most thorough crash analysis of any city in the country.”
A thorough analysis of cyclist fatalities and serious injuries during the past ten years by the Department of Transportation shows that cyclists are safest when they use a bike lane and wear a helmet.
“At DOT, biking is a priority, and promoting increased use of bicycles meets with the objectives of the mayor’s PlaNYC,” said Commissioner Sadik-Khan. “We’re happy that our efforts are being recognized nationally and we remain committed to making New York even more bike-friendly.”
In response to the study’s findings, the DOT has undertaken a three-year program to double the number of bike lanes. In addition, they have begun a free bike helmet program and a campaign to educate motorists on cyclists’ rights and responsibilities.
“The foundations are being laid to make New York City a great city for cycling,” said League of American Bicyclists Executive Director Andy Clarke.
“The incredible culture of cycling in the city created by Transportation Alternatives, Bike New York, and others, is a testament to the city’s huge potential.”