Transportation Alternatives congratulates Mayor Bloomberg, his commissioners and their hardworking staff for winning the bronze Bike Friendly City medal awarded earlier today by the League of American Bicyclists.

City cycling has come a long way, but there's still work to be done. Last year, New York City built the first European-style "cycle-track" parking protected bike lane in the United States, the City unveiled its sleek new bike parking shelters and rolled out a new toolbox to make intersections safer for cycling. Cyclists want more protected space and robust measures to make city streets inviting to all who want to ride.

"Last year, the City laid the groundwork to make New York a world class cycling city," says Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "We urge the Mayor and his agencies to build on this foundation with maximum commitment. New Yorkers want exercise, clean air, less traffic and a more livable city, and bike riding plays a part in all of this."

Mayor Bloomberg made biking a key part of PlaNYC by including important initiatives like legislation to allow bikes in commercial buildings and setting a timeline to complete the city's 1,800-mile network of bike lanes and greenway paths. New York City's density, relative flatness and temperate weather make it an ideal setting to cycle, and the City's work to add protected bike lanes, racks and bike network connections encourages more and more people to ride.

Cyclists available for interview.