Cuyahoga County named a bicycle friendly business community

(Metro Creative Connection)

The League of American Bicyclists recognized Cuyahoga County with a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Business award, earning it a place alongside more than 1,300 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America for everyone, according to a news release.

“I am beyond proud to know that Cuyahoga County has been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists for our continued commitment to promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy transportation option,” said County Executive Chris Ronayne in the release. “I am thankful to our team for continuing to make the County safer and more accessible for cyclists.”

Cuyahoga County joins 1,341 current Bicycle Friendly Business programs 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 release said.

The Bicycle Friendly Business award recognizes an organization’s contributions in shifting up and accelerating the movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone, according to the release.

“We’re proud to celebrate this round of new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses who are investing their resources to not only build up bicycling in the workplace but in their communities as well,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists in the release. “It takes collaboration to build an America where every person can safely and easily choose to bike, and we applaud Cuyahoga County pedaling alongside us to power this movement.”

Cuyahoga County remains committed to creating new multi modal transportation options.

The county is in the process of developing Cuyahoga Greenways, a blueprint for linking neighborhoods, parks, Lake Erie, Cuyahoga River and public transit through a comprehensive countywide network of trails that are safe and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities, the release said.

Cuyahoga Greenways will expand the mobility options available to residents and visitors throughout Cuyahoga County.

The plan envisions an interconnected system of on-road bicycle facilities and off-road, all-purpose trails, the release said.

As part of the Bicycle Friendly Business network, Cuyahoga County will have access to a variety of tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more welcoming to people who bike, the release said.

To learn more about the Bicycle Friendly Business program, or to apply, visit the League at bikeleague.org/business.