City of Temecula Named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists

Washington, D.C. – May 20, 2013 – As bicycling continues to grow in popularity, leaders in cities across the country, like Temecula, are embracing the environmental, financial and quality of life benefits that come with a population that likes to ride. 

This month, the League of American Bicyclists announced the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) and the City of Temecula has been named a Bronze level BFC.  

“We are inspired when we see places like Temecula making bicycling safer and more convenient,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We know that investment will be returned many times over in the health, environmental, transportation, and quality of life benefits of a thriving, attractive community.”  

The BFC program is transforming the way communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks, while allowing them to benchmark their progress toward improving their bicycle-friendliness.

With this impressive round, there are now 259 BFCs in 47 states across America. The Bronze level BFC award recognizes Temecula’s commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.  

Mike Naggar, Mayor of the City of Temecula and Member of the City’s Trails Ad Hoc Subcommittee stated, “I’m very pleased that Temecula is being recognized by the League of American Bicyclists for our work to enhance the City’s bike lanes and trails.  We’ve budgeted half a million dollars over the next two years and we just hired a consultant last week to get started on closing all the gaps within our bike lane and trail network.” 

City Council Member Chuck Washington, also on the Trails Ad Hoc Subcommittee, added, “The plan is to ensure we have designated bicycle connections between all of our wonderful parks, schools, neighborhoods and shopping centers.  We’re creating a viable, and healthy, way to travel around town without having to drive.”  

The BFC program provides a roadmap to building a Bicycle Friendly Community and the application itself has become a rigorous and an educational tool in itself. Since its inception, more than 500 distinct communities have applied and the five levels of the award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve.  

 To apply or learn more about the free BFC program, visit www.bikeleague.org/community.