General Cycling Discussion - "A Bicycle Friendly Community" Signs?

I'm noticing more of these signs in different towns, but I'd like to understand what these cities' incentive(s) are for proclaiming themselves "bicycle friendly". It's not like we bicyclists are a large enough segment to bring a lot of business. Do they get some kind of money from the state for taking such measures?

Here in Oceanside, CA, we have the great San Luis Rey bike path, and they've recently started putting up these signs, and painting little cyclist-silhouettes on the road to denote that the road is to be shared. A few years ago, Oceanside was a town I used to dread passing through.

Any insight or ideas on this?

http://www.bikesd.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/oceansidesanluisrey.jpg

Seems to be something run by the 'League of American Bicyclists' (try saying that fast) to encourage communities to be more cycle friendly.

http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/communities/bfc_about.php


What's in it for them? Well I suppose it marks them out from the 'bicycle un-friendly communities'.

What's in it for them? Well I suppose it marks them out from the 'bicycle un-friendly communities'.

I suppose they get this sign:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2495012212_223dd5bed8.jpg

Portland is Native-American for "bike friendly." That town rules so hard I could cr@p in my pants and not even care.

We have them here too.

I'm noticing more of these signs in different towns, but I'd like to understand what these cities' incentive(s) are for proclaiming themselves "bicycle friendly". It's not like we bicyclists are a large enough segment to bring a lot of business. Do they get some kind of money from the state for taking such measures?

Here in Oceanside, CA, we have the great San Luis Rey bike path, and they've recently started putting up these signs, and painting little cyclist-silhouettes on the road to denote that the road is to be shared. A few years ago, Oceanside was a town I used to dread passing through.

Any insight or ideas on this?

http://www.bikesd.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/oceansidesanluisrey.jpg

So what happens in 2013? Are they implying the world will end in 2012 like the Mayans say?

So what happens in 2013? Are they implying the world will end in 2012 like the Mayans say?

The Bicycle Friendly City designation is awarded for a period of 4 years. The city has to reapply and the designation may be upgraded or downgraded. More info is at the League of American Bicyclists site (http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/communities/bfc_about.php)

Two reasons I can think of:

1. Infrastructure that's conducive to riding bicycles - on and off street bike paths, traffic lights with bike-accessable push buttons for 'walk' signs, maybe sensors in the roads to trigger traffic lights, mandatory bicycle parking requirements for new construction (commercial/residential), etc.

2. Marketing B.S. - Since Carlsbad is a coastal community dependent on tourist revenue, might as well take advantage of the designation for all its worth. Never hurts to promote that casual, easy-going, beachy lifestyle, including riding a bicycle (cruiser or other type) along the beach. Flaunt it f you've got it . . .

I'm sure it probably does increase business, even if it doesn't do it drastically. I know I won't move to another city if it's not bike-friendly, and I usually see how bike-friendly a city is before I visit it.

Also, it's probably used for the residents of the city. If city-resident sees a sign that says the city is bike friendly, they're more likely to ride their bike more because they know the city isn't bike-hostile. It creates a healthier city, which is good for the people and the government. (If you live to be a year older, you live to pay another year's worth of taxes.)

Thirdly, it could be intended for city citizens who aren't individually friendly towards cyclists. If I'm some redneck in a big truck, I'd be less likely to honk and yell at a cyclists if there was a sign next to that cyclist saying that he's in a safe environment.