Bicycle Friendly Communities & Organizations

 

There are many local advocacy groups in the Dallas-Fort Worth region that help promote safe bicycling.  These groups include non-profit “Friends of The Trail” organizations that promote and enhance bicycling, educate residents about safety, organize community support for trails and promote the image of a bike friendly city.  Click here for more information on how local governments and non-profits can partner together for trails.

In addition to these advocacy groups and non-profit organizations, cities, universities and businesses can help increase support of bicycling by being recognized as "Bicycle Friendly" by The League of American Bicyclists.  The following provides additional information and links to the League’s Program. 

The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program is a tool to enhance the viability of bicycling as a means of transportation and recreation. The program provides hands-on assistance and recognition for states, communities, universities and businesses. Increasing the numbers of bicycle friendly places is important as it improves safety, comfort and convenience of bicycling for all ages and abilities.

“It’s an opportunity to make your community a vibrant destination for residents and visitors — a place where people don’t just live and work, but thrive. "  – League of American Bicyclists 

Click on the blue panels below to expand for more information.

Becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community

Becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFCSM) can lead to many positive changes and improvements in a community.  The League of American Bicyclists states  “Making bicycling safe and convenient are keys to improving public health, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and improving quality of life."

There are many benefits in being recognized as a BFCSM through The League.  Receiving a designation of Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze can help gauge where the community or city stands in regards to bicycling in the region and around the country. According to The League, the application process “will help your community create new partnerships and momentum for bicycle improvements, allow you to gather essential bicycle-related data in one place, and the result will show your political leadership how their community stacks up against similar communities all over the nation.” Each applicant community will receive customized feedback and technical assistance.

More information: Frequently Asked Questions

Current Designated Bicycle Friendly Communities in North Texas

Richardson
In 2019, the City of Richardson was recognized with a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award by The League of American Bicyclists.  Richardson Bicycle Friendly Scorecard

Plano
In 2019, the City of Plano was recognized with a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award by The League of American Bicyclists. Plano's Bicycle Friendly Scorecard

Frisco
In 2020, the City of Frisco was recognized with a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award by The League of American Bicyclists. Frisco's Bicycle Friendly Scorecard

Fort Worth
In 2021, the City of Fort Worth was recognized with a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award by The League of American Bicyclists. Fort Worth’s Bicycle Friendly Scorecard

Outside of formal recognition from the League of American Bicyclists, there are several cities, neighborhoods, and other organizations that want to advertise the culture and show support for better and safer bicycling. These “unofficial” designations can be found here. 

Becoming a Bicycle Friendly University

The League of American Bicyclists also formally recognizes institutions of higher education for their efforts in promoting a bikeable campus.  Similar to becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFCSM), being recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University (BFUSM) can provide many benefits. The League notes that  “Colleges and University campuses are unique environments for their high density, stimulating atmosphere and defined boundaries.” These characteristics make them an ideal environment for bicycling. 

Some of the benefits highlighted by The League include environmental, economic and health benefits for both students and the institution as a whole. Also, universities can save money by decreasing the demand for vehicular parking. 

Great things happen when building a bicycle friendly campus: 

  • Improve campus connectivity
  • Reduce carbon footprint and congestion
  • Lower health care and parking costs
  • Happier and healthier students and staff
  • Enhance campus quality of life
  • Become a model for the rest of the country


Current Designated Bicycle Friendly Universities in North Texas

University of North Texas (UNT) - awarded Bronze designation in 2017
University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) - awarded Bronze designation in 2020
University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) - awarded Bronze designation in 2021

More Information: Frequently Asked Questions