The League of American Bicyclists names Rockingham County an Honorable Mention!
In celebration of National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists has published its annual list of Bicycle Friendly Communities that actively support bicycling and the League has given Rockingham County an honorable mention ranking for its efforts. The League evaluates communities in five areas:
Engineering: Physical infrastructure and hardware to support cycling
Education: Programs that ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of cyclists and fellow road users
Encouragement: Incentives, promotions and opportunities that inspire and enable people to ride
Enforcement: Equitable laws and programs that ensure motorists and cyclists are held accountable
Evaluation: Processes that demonstrate a commitment to measuring results and planning for the future
Virginia ranks as the sixteenth most bicycle-friendly state with two silver award winners, Arlington and Charlottesville, and four bronze award winners, Alexandria, Richmond, Roanoke, and Harrisonburg. As one of only thirty-five localities in the country to receive an honorable mention, Rockingham County marks the seventh Virginia locality and the only new Virginia locality recognized this year for this prestigious honor!
On February 26, the Rockingham Bicycle Advisory Committee submitted a League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community application. The application included an inventory of local efforts to improve bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. The Committee’s goal was to have the League critique this information and recommend ways to further improve these accommodations.
After careful review of the Bicycle Friendly Community application and consultation with local cyclists, the League determined that Rockingham County should be recognized with an honorable mention. Nicole Wynands, the League’s Program Manager stated, “You should be proud of this accomplishment, since a few additional improvements could earn a Bicycle Friendly Community award in the future.” Frederick Eberly, Chairman of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors, notes, “Promoting cycling in the County through the development of a bicycle plan and other promotions helps to stimulate tourism which strengthens our local economy.”
The League will promote the County’s honorable mention status on its website for one year. The County will receive a detailed feedback report by the end of July outlining important measures Rockingham County can consider to become more bicycle-friendly. These recommendations will be important considerations as Rockingham County develops a county-wide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.