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City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-826-0396 • jgilgenbach@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Named A ‘Bicycle Friendly Community’
Edina, Minn., May 15, 2014 – The City of Edina is officially bike friendly. This month, the City was named a
bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, making it one of only 11 cities
in the state to have any level designation from the League.
“We are truly excited to receive this national award, recognizing Edina as a Bicycle Friendly Community,” said
Transportation Planner Mark Nolan. “The award represents a great deal of hard work and persistence of City
officials, residents and staff. Moving forward, not only will we continue to look for opportunities to enhance
our bicycle system, but we are also focused on education, encouragement and providing convenient bicycle
parking throughout our city. The award has helped us realize how we can continue to improve.”
The City of Edina has made strides over the last several years to make biking through and around the City
easier and more convenient. The City has about 16 miles of on-street bicycle facilities and 3 miles of off-road
bike facilities – figures that will continue to grow. The Engineering Department’s goal is to add 2.5 miles of
new bike facilities each year; however, in the last two years, more than 9 miles of bike facilities were added
around the community.
“Making this healthy-and-active transportation mode safe and easy is of growing importance,” said Andy
Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We’re excited that Edina has made the smart and vital
investments to become a designated bicycle friendly community.”
According to the League of American Bicyclists, a Bicycle Friendly Community encourages people to bike for
transportation and recreation to improve public health, reduce traffic demands, improve air quality and
better an individual’s physical fitness. Such communities are more connected, active and environmentally
sustainable, and see increased property values, business growth and tourism, according to the League.
A representative of the League of American Bicyclists will present the award to the City Council at its June 3
meeting.
For more information, contact Nolan at 952-826-0322.
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