To learn more about BikeMuncie and local bicycle advocacy programs, visit www.BikeMuncie.org. To learn about the Bicycle Friendly Community program, visit www.bikeleague.org/community.
The City of Muncie is now recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC), according to the League of American Bicyclists. The city received a bronze BFC award, allowing it to join 374 other communities across the country who also have this title.
There are five different levels of awards — diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze — depending on a community's level of bike accessibility and which criteria it matches. But as of fall 2015, there were no diamond BFCs.
Different qualities make a city bicycle friendly, but according to the League of American Bicyclists' website, a BFC must have a well-connected street network, intersections must be safe and convenient for bicyclists, and it must have an ordinance that ensures high-quality and safe and convenient bike parking options at destinations throughout the community.
Kyle Johnson, the city's chair of the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee, said this award is thanks to increased efforts by Mayor Dennis Tyler to create a more bike-friendly Muncie and help from local businesses.
“The Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee was formed in late 2014 and has brought together people from organizations including the Cardinal Greenways, Metropolitan Plan Commission, Ball State University, city departments, business owners and citizen advocates," Johnson said in a press release, "This group has updated bike-related ordinances, encouraged bike lanes and other infrastructure and started education and outreach programs and events.”
The BikeMuncie project, also formed in 2014 alongside the committee, has helped Muncie develop for cyclists.
According to the City of Muncie, the program provides information of bike safety, laws and benefits, and also promotes cycling events around Muncie. The website also allows visitors to create custom bike routes.
Tyler said while he's proud of the progress Muncie has made, he still sees room for improvement and the possibility to move up in the BFC ranks.
"In 2012 we didn't even have bicycle lanes. Last year was our first time even attempting to win [the award], and we got an honorable mention. ... This year, we're awarded a bronze level. It's astounding," Tyler said. "I think as Ball State gets more involved with their strategic master plan and as we continue what we're trying to do, I think the sky's the limit for opportunities."
Tyler said to expect more bicycle lanes, more bicycle opportunities and programs, and more education opportunities regarding the health benefits of bicycling in the next few years.
"It's not that expensive, that's what's so cool about this," Tyler said. "Striking streets for bicycle lanes is one of the cheapest investments you can have to control traffic [and] give bicycles better access and safety."
Tyler even said he enjoys to ride bikes himself, sometimes along with his grandchildren.
"I love it, I just started riding again about ... four years ago," he said. "It's been a godsend to me."
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