(Washington, DC)- The League of American Bicyclists has honored Boca Raton, Florida with its prestigious Bicycle Friendly Community designation because of its longstanding commitment to providing safe accommodation and facilities for bicyclists, and its efforts to encourage bicycle travel for transportation and recreation. Through policy and design, Boca Raton has focused on increasing opportunities for physical activity and is a model in America's efforts to reduce obesity. Boca Raton is one of 13 communities given the Bicycle Friendly Community designation this fall, joining 14 named in May 2003.

Boca Raton has been granted the League's Bicycle-Friendly Community bronze-level award, the fourth highest prize in the national awards program, along with 11 other American communities. The League did not bestow the highest-level platinum award to any communities. Portland, Oregon received the second highest gold-level award; Folsom, California was granted the silver-level prize.

Elissa Margolin, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists, said, “Boca Raton and our other Bicycle Friendly Communities display uncommon political commitment, technical expertise, and community involvement to become better places to bicycle. The rewards for residents are huge: reduced traffic, better air quality, increased travel choices, and greater opportunities to lead more active lifestyles.”

Boca Raton has made a long-term commitment to better bicycling. The city code requires that all buildings have bike racks and certain developments over 12,500sf provide shower and locker facilities. All local elementary schools participate in a comprehensive traffic and bicycle safety program. The city sponsors five monthly rides in conjunction with the Boca Raton Bicycle Club. More than 3,000 participants attend Bike Month events as part of the Commuter Choice week held in September.

League staff and reviewers consider several factors before granting a community BFC status, including:
• The physical environment for bicycling - on-street facilities, trails, parking etc.
• Education programs to promote a “share the road” ethic among bicyclists and drivers
• Promotional initiatives to persuade people to ride or ride more often
• Enforcement of traffic laws for both motorists and bicyclists
• Future plans and evaluation techniques to improve conditions further

The League’s Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign is a national grassroots effort to increase the number of trips made by bike, promote physical fitness, and help make communities more livable. The Campaign works in the most effective way possible—town by town, city by city—to encourage bicycling and achieve a bicycle-friendly America. Visit www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org to view the entire list of award-winning communities and learn more about the program.

Laura Hallam, the Executive Director of the Florida Bicycle Association as well as a League member and a League Cycling Instructor, will officially present the award to Boca Raton at the City Council meeting beginning at 6:00PM on Tuesday November 25, 2003.

Communities wishing to be considered for the award should visit www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org to view the application and find out more about the program. Applications received on or before March 19, 2023 will be considered in the next application review cycle. The Campaign is supported by grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (www.rwjf.org) and the Bikes Belong Coalition (www.bikesbelong.org).


The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America on behalf of its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org and www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org.