For its efforts at creating a workplace biking culture, the Health District of Northern Larimer County has been designated a Bicycle Friendly Business, the League of American Bicyclists announced today.

The Health District, which received a Silver Award from the League, joins 14 other Fort Collins organizations currently recognized as Bicycle Friendly Businesses.  Designations are made twice a year and are good for four years. The Health District was the only local business to earn the honor this time.

Fort Collins has more Bicycle Friendly Businesses than any other city in Colorado and is recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League, one of only four in the U.S. with a Platinum designation. Nationally, there are more than 700 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 100 companies in 46 states that are recognized as Bicycle Friendly Businesses.

Bicycle Friendly Businesses encourage a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere for employees and customers.  The Health District does this by sponsoring various worksite bike challenges, offering incentives to riders, leading lunchtime rides and hosting clinics on bike maintenance and safe riding skills. The Health District, which has two loaner bikes available for errands and commuting, also regularly participates in local and national biking events such as Bike to Work Day and the City of Fort Collins Winter Worksite Challenge.  Last winter it cosponsored a Winter Bike to Work breakfast site. For the past three years, the Health District also has partnered with the Fort Collins Cycling Club on the group’s Spring Warm-up Ride that raises money for local dental care.

Over the past year, the Health District has seen an increase in the number of employees using bikes to run errands or commute to work or meetings, according to Sue Hewitt, evaluation coordinator for the Health District and one of the volunteer organizers of biking activities for the agency.

“The Health District works to create a healthier community, and we can start right here in our own workplace,” said Dee Colombini, coordinator of the Health District’s Connections program and another organizer of biking activities. “Biking supports employee wellness, contributes to environmental sustainability and is part of our local culture.”

Founded in 1880, the League of American Bicyclists is leading a movement to create a bicycle friendly America for everyone.

The Health District is a local public agency that provides dental, mental health, prescription assistance and health promotion services to the residents of northern Larimer County.