The city of Claremont has joined the ranks of more than 250 other communities throughout the country honored as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Larry Scheetz of Cycle Claremont and the Claremont Senior Bike Group presented the award to the city council Tuesday evening.

The Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) dedicates itself to promoting the benefits of cycling and helps communities focus on improving transportation choices, health and sustainability. In 2003 Claremont was recognized as the first BFC in Los Angeles County, 47th in the nation.

After the LAB changed its criteria, adding a 5-tiered award system, Claremont reapplied and received a bronze level award in 2008. Over the past several years, the city has continued to implement bicycle-friendly programming and construction, like the Safe Routes to School Program and Bike Priority Zone, contributing to its newly acquired silver ranking. The city continues to work on a Bicycle Master Plan to continue in these efforts.

“Our bicycle friendliness is the result of a lot of community effort encouraged by the city council, coordinated by city staff and involving many organizations and individuals,” Mr. Scheetz said.