PeopleForBikes Launches National Survey to Rate Best Communities for Bikes
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PlacesForBikes initiative will spotlight innovation and spur infrastructure development
BOULDER, Colo. (February 14, 2017) — Is your city a bicycling paradise, terrible on two wheels, or someplace in the middle? In an effort to recognize the cities and towns that are creating safer places for bicycles — and to motivate those just getting started — PeopleForBikes is soliciting public opinions from across the country.
The national bike advocacy organization is rolling out a comprehensive survey to poll Americans on how safe biking feels in their hometowns, whether it’s getting better, and their favorite places to ride. The results from these community opinions will be combined with city-reported data to form the backbone of a new city rating system that is part of its new PlacesForBikes initiative. Major support for this program is provided by founding sponsor Trek Bikes.
“The input of communities nationwide will help us create a clearer picture of the state of U.S. bike infrastructure,” said Tim Blumenthal, President of PeopleForBikes. “We’ll also generate a bit of friendly competition to speed the development of more and better biking everywhere.”
The city ratings will combine publicly available data, results of a new network connectivity tool being developed by PeopleForBikes, data provided by cities and opinions from locals via the PlacesForBikes Community Survey. The ratings will recognize the cities that are doing the best job of supporting bicycling for transportation and recreation as well as cities that are committed to rapid improvement of their bicycling opportunities.
In addition to soliciting community opinions, PeopleForBikes also encourages local officials to complete a “City Snapshot” designed to gather information about existing and planned bike infrastructure, events that get people out on bikes, and safety in your community.
The survey runs for eight weeks, from February 14 through April 15, 2017. Results will be announced in Fall 2017. Survey participants can answer anonymously, or register with their name and email for a chance to win a Trek bike and other prizes.
PlacesForBikes is an ambitious new program to jumpstart the construction of bike infrastructure and develop, connect, and promote great places to ride. In addition to the data-driven city rating system, the program includes expert “how-to” resources for communities and businesses and an annual conference for city and business leaders. Early bird registration for the inaugural conference is now open at PlacesForBikesConference.org.
About PeopleForBikes:
PeopleForBikes is uniting millions of individuals, thousands of businesses and hundreds of communities to make better bike riding for everyone. When people ride bikes, great things happen. Join us at PeopleForBikes.org.
