National League of American Bicyclists: OurTrails
The Town of Manchester seeks to apply to the League of American Bicyclists for National Bike Friendly Community designation for several reasons:
1. Recognition and Prestige: Achieving National Bike Friendly Community designation signifies that a town is committed to promoting bicycling as a viable and sustainable mode of transportation. It brings recognition and prestige to the town and showcases its efforts to create a bike-friendly environment.
2. Attractiveness to Residents: Being designated as a bike-friendly community can attract residents who prioritize active transportation and outdoor recreation. It can enhance the town's appeal to individuals and families seeking a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
3. Economic Benefits: A bike-friendly designation can also have economic benefits for the town. It can attract tourism and visitors interested in cycling, leading to increased spending at local businesses such as bike shops, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, it can contribute to the overall attractiveness of the town as a place to live, work, and invest.
4. Health and Wellness: Promoting bicycling encourages physical activity and contributes to improved public health outcomes. By providing safe and accessible infrastructure for cyclists, towns can support residents in leading active lifestyles and reducing their reliance on motor vehicles.
5. Environmental Sustainability: Encouraging bicycling as a mode of transportation helps reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting cycling infrastructure and initiatives, towns can contribute to environmental sustainability and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
6. Youth Engagement and Education: Becoming a bike-friendly community offers numerous benefits for youth. It provides opportunities for physical activity and outdoor recreation, promoting healthy lifestyles from a young age. Additionally, initiatives such as bike rodeos, safety workshops, and educational programs can help teach children and teenagers essential biking skills and safety practices. By integrating bicycling into school curricula and extracurricular activities, towns can empower youth to become confident and responsible cyclists while fostering a lifelong appreciation for active transportation and environmental stewardship.
Overall, applying for National Bike Friendly Community designation reflects a town's commitment to fostering a healthy, sustainable, and vibrant community for its residents and visitors alike.
