Tampa, FL – Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Plan Hillsborough with a Gold Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning it a place alongside over 1,400 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America. “It has become sort of a tradition at the League to kick off a New Year with Bicycle Friendly Business awards, as the awards serve to inspire the movement for a more Bicycle Friendly America,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “After facing the myriad challenges of 2020, it’s awesome to start 2021 recognizing the efforts of these 43 businesses to be more welcoming to people who bike. We saw so many Americans’ lives disrupted and changed in 2020, and so many turned to bicycling as part of their routine, whether to ride to their healthcare job or drop off their kid at school or pick up a six-pack from the local brewery. Bicycle Friendly Businesses played an important role in making 2020 the year of the bike, and these BFBs honored today will help make 2021 even better for people who bike and the communities they live and work in.” Plan Hillsborough joins 43 total new and renewing BFBs in the League’s latest round of business awards and 1,406 total BFBs nationwide, including everything from government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, 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 Bicycle Friendly Business award recognizes an organization’s contributions over months and years to the movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. “Bicycle Friendly Businesses are small businesses and large businesses, they are mom and pops and multinational, and they will be a part of our nation’s recovery,” said Nesper. “By offering simple solutions that enable people to easily go places by bike, employers like Plan Hillsborough are demonstrating leadership towards healthier, stronger communities and improving the well-being of our colleagues, friends, and neighbors by making biking better for everyone.” Located in Downtown Tampa, the Plan Hillsborough office is within a short bike ride for tens of thousands of residents. A rack is immediately outside, and covered, secure bike storage is available in the adjacent parking garage. Staff members are able to take advantage of on-site showers and flexible work hours. “I am proud of obtaining the Gold Level of Bicycle Friendly Business and to be able to put into practice many of the goals of our plans,” said Executive Director Melissa Zornitta. Added MPO/Transportation Director Beth Alden, “Bicycling is a great choice to get Downtown, and getting even better as our governments collaborate on road and greenway improvements! We’re very pleased to offer this great option to our staff and the public.” As part of the BFB network, Plan Hillsborough 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: decreased carbon footprint, reduced healthcare costs, connection to the community, and a fun and healthy work culture. |
About the Bicycle Friendly America Program |
To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, including the Bicycle Friendly Community® (BFC), Bicycle Friendly State® (BFS), Bicycle Friendly Business® (BFB), and Bicycle Friendly University® (BFU) programs, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA. The League of American Bicyclists leads the national movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. With a history dating to 1880, the League is committed to engaging diverse communities and building a powerful, unified voice for change around protecting and promoting bicyclists’ rights. Learn more at www.bikeleague.org. |