A BFC Celebration in Miami

Last week, as Hurricane Sandy brushed the Florida coast, I had the pleasure of presenting the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community award to Miami’s Mayor Tom Regalado and city commissioners.

The ceremony at City Hally included Miami Mayor Tom Regalado (gray suit)

The weather didn’t stop the celebration and the good folks from the Green Mobility Network, University of Miami (a bronze BFU) and Mack Cycle from coming out. While the city still has much work to do in becoming more bicycle friendly, there’s no denying the significant progress in recent years.

The strong cyclist community, events like Ciclovia and Bike Miami days, the growing biking network, and great bike program staff at the city and county levels are all making bicycling a more comfortable and convenient option for people. And we’re certainly looking forward to the coming storm of improvements, including a public bike sharing system.

While I was down there, I learned an interesting fact. Turns out, the city of Miami has deep roots in the history of bicycling. One of the founders of the League of American Wheelmen (1880), Charles Kirk Munroe settled there in 1886 and continued his work writing and promoting conservation with the Florida Audubon Society.

Congratulations again to the City of Miami — and we look forward to working with you to continue to climb the BFC ranks!