One of the best things about living in Champaign-Urbana is the community’s commitment to sustainability, which of course, includes alternative forms of transportation than driving. Our resume was even further bolstered this week when MTD was noted as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business, meaning their practices provide a welcoming environment for those who use bicycles.
From their press release:
MTD Named a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists
Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business (BFBSM) award, joining more than 1,100 visionary businesses from across the country. With the announcement of 73 new and renewing BFBs today, MTD joins a cutting-edge group of 1,132 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies in 49 states and Washington, D.C., that are transforming the American workplace. “The business community’s investment in bicycling is playing a central role in making the country a safer, happier, and more sustainable place to live and work,” said Amelia Neptune, League Bicycle Friendly Business Program Manager. “We applaud this new round of businesses, including MTD, for leading the charge in creating a bicycle-friendly America for everyone.”
Being bicycle friendly saves local businesses and communities money as research shows that people who bicycle save money not only on transportation but also in health care costs. MTD encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as bicycle racks on all its buses and bicycle parking at major transit hubs, and has been a leader in supporting bicycling as a mode of transportation. MTD’s efforts to create a bicycle friendly community helped secure the $16.7 million dollar TIGER grant for the MCORE project that is rebuilding core transit routes to improve safety for all roadway users, including bicyclists.
“I welcome the news that the League of American Bicyclists is recognizing MTD as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Business,” says Jeff Yockey, Executive Director of Champaign County Bikes. “This award recognizes MTD not for their work in the community, but their work and commitment to their employees! MTD practices what it encourages: an active transportation lifestyle.”
Moving forward, MTD will have access to a variety of tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. When our employees bike, great things happen: decreased carbon footprint, reduced health care costs, connections to the community, and a fun and healthy work culture.
To apply or learn more about the BFB program, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/business.
About the Bicycle Friendly AmericaSM Program
The Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM, Bicycle Friendly StateSM, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly UniversitySM programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle Corp and Silver-level BFA Sponsor Planet Bike. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA.
The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.