February 11, 2026 - (Washington, DC) Across the country, communities are responding to growing demand for places that are easier to navigate by biking, walking, and rolling. Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognizes 79 communities across the nation for their commitment to meeting that demand through collective action at the local and regional levels.
“Building better places to bike is a shared effort,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “The communities recognized here are part of a growing national movement, taking practical steps to support bicycling as a safe, accessible, and valuable part of everyday life.”
These new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Community℠ (BFC) awardees join a network of 444 currently-awarded communities nationwide, reflecting the resolve of local leaders, advocates, planners, educators, public agencies, and residents to make their communities safer and more supportive for people who bike.
Notable Movement in Bicycle Friendly Community Award Rankings
Platinum: Fort Collins, CO and Davis, CA both renewed their hard-won Platinum status, maintaining the BFC program’s highest award level. Only five communities have ever received this status
Gold: Provo, UT and Alameda, CA both achieved the Gold milestone after decades of consistent progress at lower award levels. Three communities (Aspen, CO; Durango, CO; and Minneapolis, MN) renewed their existing Gold awards.
Silver: Eight communities moved up to Silver, with judges noting particularly strong applications from Cleveland, OH; Cedar Rapids, IA; and Springfield, OR. Twelve communities renewed their Silver award, including Anchorage, AK and Flagstaff, AZ.
Bronze: 52 total communities are receiving Bronze awards this round, including five that are receiving Bronze on their very first application to the BFC program, a rare achievement. Bowling Green, KY is one of seven communities moving up to Bronze after receiving Honorable Mention or No Award in a previous round. Bowling Green’s progress was boosted from a League-led Bicycle Friendly Community workshop in 2023 that helped the city prioritize key investments and actions, demonstrating how guided support and local dedication can move a community forward.
Honorable Mention: Thirteen communities are receiving Honorable Mention, which indicates progress being made toward a BFC award in the years to come. These communities are encouraged to use their Report Card feedback from the League before reapplying for a BFC designation in the future.
Across award levels, communities are building momentum in ways that fit their local context. The examples below offer a snapshot of how sustained investment, regional collaboration, and local effort are helping communities of all sizes make bicycling better.
Read the full release here.
