Bicycling and walking are forms or low impact transportation and enjoyable types of exercise and recreation. They provide alternatives to motorized travel, provided that facilities and programs are in place to encourage and safely accommodate a diverse public. 

Land use and transportation planning is key to establishing quality multimodal service and to affording choices in transportation to community members. Thorough planning enables a community to become proactive rather than reactive in addressing concerns about bicyclist access, mobility, safety, and aesthetics. In the end, this can save time, money, and lives.

Nationwide, communities are realizing they cannot build their way out of congestion. They must look to other solutions, such as transit, carpooling and bicycling. A healthy transportation system provides safe, convenient choices. Improving bicycling conditions provides alternatives for the increasing numbers of citizens who can’t afford, don’t want to or are physically unable to drive motor vehicles.

The 5 E’s to becoming Bicycle Friendly

Encouragement - Creating an environment that is conducive to more bicycle riding for fun, fitness and transportation.

Education - An informed citizenry, knowledgeable police, legislators and public officials and better training for engineers and planners in facility design.

Engineering - Creating a bicycle and pedestrian transportation system that allows users with varying abilities to safely and efficiently travel between destinations.

Enforcement - Equitable and consistent enforcement of traffic laws affecting motorists and bicyclists.

Evaluation - Regular monitoring and performance evaluation of our progress toward becoming a bicycle-friendly community.