The City of Roswell Receives Bicycle Friendly Community Designation

November 5, 2008 by Carl H. Martens
Filed under Uncategorized

The League of American Bicyclists has awarded the City of Roswell with the Bicycle Friendly Community designation.

This is a very coveted award amongst cities nationwide. Roswell is the only city in Georgia to hold the designation and one of only 63 cities across the United States.

Mayor Jere Wood said he is thrilled the City has earned the designation. “Bicyclists are always welcome on our City streets, on our bicycle trails, and in our parks. We celebrate the sport every year with the Nalley Historic Roswell Bicycle Criterium, my own ride the morning of the Criterium, and my annual Ride to the Capitol in support of Bicyling across Georgia. There is no better place for a cyclist to live in metro Atlanta than Roswell and this designation shows that.”

Andy Clarke, the chief executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, said Roswell has shown a tremendous commitment to improving conditions for bicyclists. “They are making the streets safer for bicyling, educating bicylists and motorists to share the road and promoting a wide range of bicyling activities.”

The Bicycle Friendly Community Award was initiated in 2003 and has recieved applications from more than 150 communities. Applicants must complete a detailed application with numerous questions in five key areas: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation/planning.

Roswell residents can enjoy cycling on streets with designated bike lanes, bicycle trails and within the city’s numerous parks.

The Big Creek Greenway is a favorite network of trails enjoyed by Roswell cyclists. There are lots of unpaved walking and mountain bike trails within the park, however most of the greenway are paved trails. The Greenway is part of the City of Roswell’s Wetlands Demonstration Project and consists of just over 2 miles of concrete sidewalk and boardwalks. The trail connects in the north to the City of Alpharetta’s Greenway trail.