Ocean City, Maryland - As 2023 ends, we are honored to share that the Town of Ocean City has been named a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.

The Town of Ocean City joins 506 communities nationwide in the movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone. The award recognizes the Town of Ocean City's commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents and visitors of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.

"Being named as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community is a testament to the forward thinking of the BPAC members and the town staff," commented Councilmember Peter Buas and member of the BPAC. "When considering capital improvements, bicycle and pedestrian access is always at the forefront of the conversation. We are excited to be a part of the continued improvement of access to safe biking and walking areas in Ocean City, Maryland."

The Ocean City Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (OC BPAC) meets monthly and encourages all Members to invest in developing safer and more accessible biking and pedestrian infrastructure and initiatives. Comprised of 10 Members, the OC BPAC represents several Town departments, the Town Council, outside organizations, Town residents, and an owner of a business in Town. The Purpose of the OC BPAC is to "advise and provide recommendations to Town officials and Town staff on all matters relating to the use of a bicycle as a means of transportation and recreation in Town." Their dedication shows with this award.

"When we build an America where bicycling is truly safer and easier for everyone, we are strengthening our nation's economic vibrance, environmental welfare, and mental and physical well-being. That's why we're proud to celebrate all of the new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities in our movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone" said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. "This round of awards is a testament to the community leaders and local bike advocates who are joining the League in raising the standard of what it means to be a Bicycle Friendly Community."

The League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for how communities build and benchmark progress toward improving biking. Earlier this year, the League made significant updates to add and integrate equity and accessibility into the program's application and emphasize the importance of building and connecting low-speed and low-stress bike networks.

More than 860 communities have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, providing a roadmap to improving biking for communities of all shapes and sizes. While the award process considers visible elements such as bike infrastructure, other essential features include efforts around adult and youth bike education, encouragement through events like Bike to Work Day, evaluation mechanisms, and enforcement, all through equity. The rigorous application process is an educational tool in itself. It includes an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their community experiences and perceptions of bicycling.

The five levels of the BFC award - diamond, platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, plus an honorable mention category - provide a clear incentive for communities to improve continuously. Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure that they not only maintain existing efforts but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards, and community-driven best practices.

To learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/community.