JOHNSON COUNTY DOWNTOWN CAMPUS EARNS BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESS “GOLD”

Johnson County, Iowa — The League of American Bicyclists recognized the Johnson County Downtown Campus with a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Business^SM award. The award was announced on April 6 and celebrated today.

The local government campus, which includes the Administration Building, the Health and Human Services Building, and the nearly completed Ambulance and Medical Examiner Building, was the only entity in Iowa to earn a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB^SM) designation in this round of awards. A total of 30 Iowa businesses have now earned BFB designations, which can range from bronze to platinum.

Johnson County’s Downtown Campus was recognized for efforts such as bike-to-work-month activities, regular educational events, participation in the Move Naturally to the Market program, bicycle racks at every building, and bicycles provided for employee use.

The County has been committed to making biking easier for visitors and staff, said Janelle Rettig, chairperson of the Johnson County Board of Supervisors.

“We’re honored to receive the Gold award from the League for the bike-friendly amenities and programs we offer,” Rettig said. “We have employees who regularly bike to work. Everyone, including the environment, wins when people bike-commute.

“The County will be hosting a celebration of the award and other events in May, including a free hands-on class on changing flat tires,” Rettig added.

As part of the League’s recognition program, Johnson County will have access to a variety of tools and technical assistance to become even more bicycle-friendly. The League has nationally recognized 1,315 businesses, government agencies and other companies since its inception, and 59 new and renewing BFBs in this latest round, said Amelia Neptune, director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America^SM program.

“Business community support of bicycling plays a central role in making the United States a safer and more sustainable place to live and work,” Neptune said. “We applaud this new round of entities, including Johnson County’s Downtown Campus, for leading the charge in creating a bicycle-friendly America for everyone.”

With the Johnson County downtown campus earning Gold, Iowa City is now home to five Bicycle Friendly Businesses. In addition, the City of Iowa City is a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community^SM, while the cities of Coralville and University Heights are both Bronze. The University of Iowa is a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly University^SM. To learn more about Iowa’s bicycle friendly places, see the interactive map at http://www.bikeleague.org/bfa/awards.

To apply or learn more about the Bicycle Friendly Business Program, visit www.bikeleague.org/business. Based in Washington DC, the League has been active since 1880.