The FCC’s growing community of cyclists has much to celebrate and be congratulated for as bicycling enthusiasts across the country mark National Bike Month.
Community events around the country have so far included Bike to School Day and Bike to Work Week, culminating today in Bike to Work Day. Here at the Commission, they have also included two distinct honors.
On Wednesday, the Interagency Task Force for Bicycles and Active Transportation, created to implement President Obama’s executive order to promote a clean energy economy, named the FCC as the recipient of its first-ever Fedbikes Award. The award recognizes excellence in support for federal agency bicycle commuting.
And in April, the national League of American Bicyclists named the FCC as one of 67 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses. With its bronze-level certification, the Commission joins more than 400 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies nationwide that are “transforming the American workplace” by supporting bicycle commuting, the League said.
The recognition is a credit to an FCC cyclist community that works passionately, and with strong support from Chairman Genachowski and Commission leadership, to promote and support bicycle commuting throughout the agency. Among the many accomplishments to date:
- Expanded and secure parking for 58 bikes in our secure employee garage.
- Free long-term lockers near the new bike racks.
- Shower facilities with day lockers for an annual membership fee.
- A repair station with air pumps.
- A mentor program for new riders.
- A guaranteed ride-home program.
- Promotion and education efforts, including an active cyclists email group, bulletin boards and a wiki.
We are pleased to see the hard work of our cyclists and building managers being recognized, and proud of their strong commitment to the health and well being of our employees and the local environment.
FCC has a cadre of regular bicycle commuters. In an effort to promote bicycle awareness, these commuters have formed a mentor program. Each of these commuters offer up their routes on maps published on the FCC intranet along with their contact information and a number of tips to help other bike commuters get in the DC bike spirit. Newer cyclists, or those considering trying cycling to work, can follow these suggested routes to have a safe ride. This map is the compilation of all of these routes. Watch our bike community grow!