RPC Named a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists
The League of American Bicyclists has recognized the RPC with a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning it a place alongside more than 1,400 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. Only two businesses in Champaign-Urbana have achieved this level of recognition, with the RPC joining Champaign’s Neutral Cycle as a gold-level award winner.
“We are excited to announce these new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses, employers at the forefront of a growing movement for healthier, stronger, and better-connected communities across the nation,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “Ensuring more people–whether employees, customers, or members of the community–can safely choose to bike is part of the solution to many challenges we face both locally and globally, and we’re proud to see businesses like the Regional Planning Commission investing in opportunities that make a difference.”
The RPC joins a total of 1,451 current BFB’s nationwide, including everything from government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, museums, hospitality establishments, bike shops, and other employers, all united in a commitment to transform American workplaces to be more welcoming to both customers and employees who bike. The BFB award recognizes an organization’s contributions in shifting up and accelerating the movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.
“When businesses demonstrate leadership by joining our movement for better bicycling, the return on investment is clear for both businesses and the community at large—from employee retention and cost-savings on healthcare to fostering a greener environment and getting more investments in the local economy,” said Nesper. “The RPC and businesses like it recognize this and are putting in the work to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all.”
The RPC encourages bicycling as a transportation option and provides amenities such as an internal bike share system and incentives such as bike-related raffle prizes for Bike to Work Day participants.
“The RPC has hosted almost two dozen Bike to Work Day events since 2010, and it is always enjoyable to see new employees and neighborhood residents stop by our Brookens Center welcome station,” said Gabe Lewis, RPC Planner. “We are happy to continue hosting an event that increases physical activity and social interaction and hope to see more new faces at our next event on Thursday morning, September 14.”
As part of the BFB network, the RPC will have access to a variety of tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more welcoming to people who bike. When employees bike, great things happen, such as a decreased carbon footprint, reduced healthcare costs among staff, more connection with the community, and a fun and healthy work culture.
About the Bicycle Friendly America Program
Since 1880, the League of American Bicyclists has been people-powered, with a goal to make bicycling safer and easier as a means of transportation and recreation. Today, the League continues to improve lives and strengthen communities through bicycling. We are more than 200,0000 members and supporters strong with more than 1,000 state and local advocacy groups and bike clubs as well as thousands of businesses, universities, and communities together leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. Businesses can learn more about the BFB program and apply here.