News and Press Releases Tuesday, May 17, 2022

The Ada County Highway District is being recognized for its commitment to smart transportation for its employees, by being named a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists.

The Bicycle Friendly Business award "recognizes an organization's contributions over months and years to the movement to build a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone," according to the League of American Bicyclists.

"We are excited to be recognized as a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Business," said Planning and Programs Supervisor Tom Laws. "Through multiple League Certified Instructors (LCIs) on staff, our first ever Bicyclist and Pedestrian Program Coordinator, and several key improvements for bicyclists in and around headquarters, ACHD is encouraging employees to bike to work more than ever, taking miles of the road while promoting a healthy team."

The Ada County Highway District earned the designation for encouraging bicycling as an easy option for transportation. ACHD provides resources such as an on-site public bicycle repair station, a secure bicycle storage area, showers and break room amenities. The District also provides incentives through Commuteride's B.E.S.T. program, which allows employees to earn rewards for using smart transportation.

"The Gold Level designation is another example of how the Ada County Highway District's commitment to smart transportation starts from within," said ACHD Commission President Mary May. "ACHD's investment into bicycle friendly resources and infrastructure continues to pay off for residents of Ada County."

The District joins a total of 1,494 current BFBs nationwide, including government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, bike shops, and other employers, all united in a commitment to transform American workplaces to be more welcoming to both customers and employees who bike.

ACHD's Gold Level designation is valid for the next four years.

"The Ada County Highway District and businesses like it give people the peace of mind that they can bike to work, school, or their daily errands and feel welcomed," said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. "When more people can bike to more destinations, it doesn't just impact the people who work or shop there. It cultivates stronger, healthier, pedal-powered communities, and these BFBs recognize that and are putting in the work to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people to turn to."

In the community division, Ada County is currently recognized as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Ada County was first named a Bronze Level Community in 2004, winning the Silver award in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

The League of American Bicyclists mission is "to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone."