"Bicycle-friendly" is a descriptive term that describes policies, places and practices which make it easier for people to ride bicycles.
Some examples could be:
- Engineering
- bike lanes
- bike paths and rail trails. However, some cyclists oppose the construction of separate paths and prefer riding on streets.
- wide outside lanes to reduce friction between cyclists and other road users
- bike racks on transit vehicles (which allow for longer-distance trips)
- bike lockers or other accommodations for secure bicycle storage at airports, public buildings and other important destinations
- measures to reduce ground level ozone, smog and other forms of air pollution which clogs cyclists' and pedestrians' lungs
- opposition to certain forms of traffic calming and intersections, such as choke points and roundabouts (rotaries). These road features may be dangerous to cyclists.
- Education
- efforts to educate motorists concerning cyclist's rights
- efforts to educate cyclists concerning their responsibilities
- efforts to educate cyclists and motorists concerning proper and safe operating practices for coexisting on the roadway
- efforts to educate employers on the benefits of accommodating and encouraging cycling
- Enforcement
- enforcement of existing laws recognizing cyclists' rights and protecting cyclists from harassment
- enforcement of existing laws intended to insure cyclists' safe operation of their vehicles
- efforts to quickly recover stolen bicycles
- Encouragement
- bike sharing programs (such as the white bikes program in Amsterdam)
- public service announcements and advertising campaigns, including stickers placed in public vehicles such as taxis in Toronto
- programs encouraging safe cycling by children - including bicycle rodeos and helmet giveaways
- active involvement of local parks and recreation departments in cycling events
- development of Bicycle Commuter Mentor Programs
The League of American Bicyclists evaluates communities for "Bicycle Friendliness", and official designates communities at Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels.
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