The Coloradoan: Fort Collins pedals to No. 3 on the list of the 10 best bicycle cities in U.S.
Aug. 8, 2011
Fort Collins has again been recognized as one of the countries best place to ride a bicycle, this time by TheStreet.com.
The Choice City landed at No. 3 on the list of the 10 best bicycle cities based on the percentage of regular cyclists in their population. Fort Collins came in behind Eugene, Ore,. at No. 2 and Boulder, Colo,. at No. 1.
With the League of American Bicyclists, TheStreet selected the 10 “best bicycle cities” based on the percentage of regular cyclists in their population. TheStreet is a digital financial media company covering investing, finance and business.
“These are towns where the bike lanes and paths can resemble the Tour de France peleton and a spot on a bike rack can be as rare as on-street parking. College kids help tip the scales a bit in certain cities, but some of these towns are getting by on the business people, bohemians and budget-conscious commuters who are just more comfortable pumping the pedals than hitting the gas,” the article reads.
Fort Collins has 7,776 bicycle commuters and bicycle commuters’ share of overall population is 9.9 percent, according to the article.
“Fort Collins doesn’t just encourage a cycling culture, it jumps right into it with both pedals,” the article states, which also notes CSU, more than 280 miles of bike lanes and Fort Collins Bicycle Library.
Other cyclist-friendly attributes noted by TheStreet include the city’s dismount zones, the Urban Assault Ride and New Belgium Brewery’s Tour De Fat bicycle race.
Fort Collins previously has received “gold” designation from the League of American Cyclists and its Bicycle Friendly Community program for its efforts to promote cycling.
TOP TEN BICYCLE CITIES
10. Madison, Wis.
9. Somerville, Mass.
8. Portland, Ore.
7. Gainesville, Fla.
6. Missoula, Mont.
5. Cambridge, Mass.
4. Berkeley, Calif.
3. Fort Collins, Colo.
2. Eugene, Ore.
1. Boulder, Colo.
*Source: http://www.thestreet.com
*10 best bicycle cities based on the percentage of regular cyclists in their population
