[MINNEAPOLIS, MN] – Three new Minnesota companies have been recognized as Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Minnesota, the third most bicycle-friendly state in the U.S., now boasts 108 BFBs.
“As the wintery winds gust through Minnesota at this time of the year, businesses are heating things up with some new additions in the bicycle-friendly rankings. Mayo Clinic hit the charts for the first time at bronze and Touright Bicycle Shop posted up an impressive platinum award,” said Natalie Gille, Greater Minnesota Program Manager for the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. “Physical activity is an excellent way to keep moving during these colder months and if not quite here yet, spring is right around the corner welcoming you to ride your bike to a bicycle-friendly business and roll ahead to better health in 2022!”
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, received a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Business ranking, up from an Honorable Mention in 2015. With 32,000 employees and serving countless patients from Minnesota and beyond, this is a remarkable effort to encourage safe and convenient biking for people of all ages and abilities. Rochester is home to We Bike Rochester, a local Chapter of advocates working to normalize biking in the community through advocacy, education, and ridership.
“Mayo Clinic’s campus in Rochester, Minnesota, is honored to receive the Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Business designation from the League of American Bicyclists. Recognizing the health, well-being, and environmental benefits of bike commuting, Mayo Clinic has made improvements to its support of cyclists with improved bike racks, secure bike parking rooms, and tips for employees to ensure a safe and secure ride to and from work. We appreciate the collaboration with the League of American Bicyclists and We Bike Rochester as we continue to evolve our commuter programs,” said Amanda Holloway, Director of the Mayo Clinic Office of Sustainability.
Additionally, Touright Bicycle Shop in Little Falls, Minnesota, was awarded a Platinum Level Ranking, making it one of just three platinum-level businesses in Minnesota, alongside Target and Quality Bicycle Products. As just one of two businesses awarded a platinum status this Spring, the League of American Bicyclists recognizes platinum-level businesses’ efforts to promote wellness, sustainability, and corporate responsibility through bicycling.
“We’ve been embraced by the community. I know what biking can do for a community. It’s not just us, it’s really the community that has helped us achieve this award,” said David Sperstad and Susan Sperstad, owners of the Touright Bicycle Shop in Little Falls, Minnesota.
Two of Minnesota’s three new Bicycle Friendly Businesses are located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, bringing the town total to 24 Bicycle Friendly Businesses and holding strong with its ranking in the top ten cities with the most Bicycle Friendly Businesses in the nation. Congratulations to Outstate Brewing Company, The Fergus Brewing Company, and the Fergus Falls Police Department on their new rankings.
“We’re so excited to have two more Bicycle Friendly Businesses in Fergus Falls! We’ve got a great brewery scene in Fergus Falls, and with Fergus Brewing Company and Outstate Brewing Company, joining Union Pizza & Brewing Company as BFBs, that means every brewery in town is bike-friendly! It’s also great to see the Fergus Falls Police Department renew their BFB status,” said Mayor Ben Schierer and Wayne Hurley, Director of Transportation Planning at West Central Initiative. “They’ve done outstanding work focusing on education and partnering with Pedal Fergus Falls on the annual bike rodeo.”
Bikes are good for businesses and their employees. Through this BFB program, employers across the country are recognized for their efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers, and the community. Deserving businesses are recognized at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels and all applicants receive valuable feedback and assistance in becoming more welcoming to bicycling.
Spring 2022 BFB Recognition:
- Touright Bicycle Shop (Little Falls, MN) – Platinum Award
- Minnesota Department of Transportation (St. Paul, MN) – Gold Award
- Fergus Falls Police Department (Fergus Falls, MN) – Bronze Award
- Fergus Brewing Company (Fergus Falls, MN) – Bronze Award
- Outstate Brewing Company (Fergus Falls, MN) – Bronze Award
- Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) – Bronze Award
More about BikeMN:
The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN) envisions a Minnesota where every person everywhere can easily walk, bike, and roll as ways to move in daily life. BikeMN engages people, provides education, and advocates for biking and walking. Visit www.bikemn.org to learn more about local advocacy around Minnesota.
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