Memphis received an honorable mention as a Bicycle Friendly Community in the League of American Bicyclists Fall awards.
Bicycle Friendly Community judges were impressed with the city’s hiring of bicycle and pedestrian coordinator Kyle Wagenschutz, the construction of more than 120 miles of bike lanes and paths since 2003, and Mayor A C Wharton’s plan to create more than 55 miles of new bike routes by July 2012, according to a statement released Wednesday.
“In both 2008 and 2010, Memphis was reported to be one of the worst cities for bicycling, but we can now prove on a national scale that the infrastructure projects, educational campaigns, and public awareness operations are making a difference and are transforming this city for the better,” Wharton said.
Additionally, City Hall was given a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Business award, also by the League of American Bicyclists. That award was given because the city encourages bicycling by offering its workers showers, lockers, and changing rooms, and two new bike racks were installed outside City Hall. City employees also have access to bicycle safety classes.
