Colorado's Bicycle-Friendly Communities

Designated by the League of the League of American Bicyclists, the league’s Bicycle Friendly America program helps communities make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people

The League of American Bicyclists is a cycling advocacy group with a history stretching all the way back to 1880 when “wheelmen” in Newport, Rhode Island came together as the League of American Wheelmen to advocate for the improvement of roads and highways in the United States.

The organization has several key programs, including the aforementioned Bicycle Friendly Communities program. Ranking seventh in the country with 23 bicycle-friendly communities, 108 bicycle-friendly businesses and seven bicycle-friendly universities, the most recent round of awards saw Montrose added to Colorado’s ever-growing list.

In June this year, the League designated Montrose as a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, highlighting the efforts both the city and bicycle groups like the Montrose Area Bicycle Alliance (MABA) have undertaken to make Montrose a better city for bicyclists.

The bronze award recognizes the effort and commitment to improving conditions through investments in bike education programs, regular bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, pro-bike policies, and bike infrastructure.

“Across the country, we have seen so many Americans biking during the pandemic. It’s critical that there are communities like Montrose taking the steps to make biking a safe, accessible option for people, whether they are commuting to essential jobs or looking for recreational options outside their homes,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “This award is the culmination of years of work put in by Montrose and its citizen advocates for better biking."

The Five E's For a Bicycle Friendly America

Engineering: Creating safe and convenient places to ride and park

Education: Giving people of all ages and abilities the skills and confidence to ride

Encouragement: Creating a strong bike culture that welcomes and celebrates bicycling

Enforcement & Safety: Ensuring safe roads for all users

Evaluation & Planning: Planning for bicycling as a safe and viable transportation option

There is actually a sixth E, and that is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Bike Friendly Communities:

PLATINUM

BOULDER

FORT COLLINS

GOLD

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

DURANGO

ASPEN

CARBONDALE

BRECKENRIDGE

SILVER

DENVER

SUMMIT COUNTY

SILVERTHORNE

ARVADA

LONGMONT

GOLDEN

GUNNISON

VAIL

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

COLORADO SPRINGS

BRONZE

MONTROSE

LAKEWOOD

GRAND JUNCTION

FRUITA

GREELEY

PUEBLO