The City of Pueblo and PACE started working in 2010 to address issues to make Pueblo more bicycle friendly. Each year the ratings are harder to achieve but we strive to maintain our status by advocating year in and year out.
-
2016 we applied for BFC status and were honorable mention.
-
2017-2021 we earned a Bronze Level BFC recognition
-
2021-2024 we kept our Bronze Level BFC recognition
Reasons to Pursue Bicycle Friendly Community Recognition:
-
Health of the people – physical activity reduces heart and lung disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity
-
Health of the environment – improve air quality, transportation options, storm water management, habitat preservation
-
Government Finances - $100 parks 2 bikes while $40,000 per car space in a parking garage; 20 bike cops = 1 police cruiser; bicycling increases road user capacity at minimal cost
-
Local economic boost – Bicycle tourism and rides are big business opportunities. Bicycle vacation is rated #3 outdoor vacation activity. 80% of businesses rated BFC status is good for their business
-
Improved quality of life equals economic development. Home buyers and businesses look for QOL measures such as walking and bicycling options in a community
-
Equity equals freedom of movement for 1/3 of population unable to drive, bicycling serves all ages and incomes and increases accessibility to transit
-
Freedom from congested roads. 40% of all trips are 2 miles or less and 90% are made by car but could be by bicycle.
-
Energy independence. Bicycling is the most energy efficient means of transportation especially as fuel prices rise.
-
Bicycling is a solution to many local issues! There are many powerful public policy reasons for improving bicycling conditions and making it safer.
A Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) is a corporation, organization, association, or nonprofit that actively promotes bicycling for transportation, recreation, exercise, and sport. A BFB practices social responsibility by weaving bicycling into the business culture and gives employees and customers the opportunity to be active stewards of their personal and environmental health through bicycling.
Few steps to become more bike friendly:
-
Become a Bicycle Benefits member offering discounts to cyclist members
-
Install a bike rack for customers and employees
-
Promote Bike to Work day to your employees
-
Sponsor Bike to Work events or other cycling events or programs in the community
-
Offer incentives to your employees for biking to work or cycling for fun, fitness and transportation
-
Provide lockers, place to clean up, possibly shower for employees that commute by bike.
The Bicycle Friendly Business program through the League of American Bicyclists evaluates applicants’ efforts to promote bicycling in four primary areas:
-
Engineering: Safe cycling access; bike racks for employees and guests; showers and lockers for commuters and lunchtime riders, allows connectivity/right of way access on your property to improve walk/bikeability, walk/ride up window to serve customers, not just a drive up window.
-
Education: Bike-safety programs; mentorship for new commuters; and equipment tutorials.
-
Encouragement: Benefits for bike commuters; commuter tax provision or paid mileage for trips made by bike; loaner bikes for errands and short trips; and earn-a-bike programs.
-
Evaluation: An assessment of what’s already being done and what to aim for in the future; in-house bike coordinators and educators; and target ridership numbers. Highlight your business’s unique programs and policies that promote and celebrate bicycling—from loaner bikes for short trips and in-house spin classes to supporting charity rides, Bike Month activities or sponsoring bike-racing teams.