Becoming a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) is more than a badge—it’s a commitment to sustainability, employee wellness, and community leadership. With over 1,192 certified businesses by early 2025 and growing, the League of American Bicyclists’ BFB program continues to foster a nationwide culture shift towards bike-friendly workplaces.
This comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step BFB certification playbook and a detailed senior social ride safety strategy to promote workplace health, environmental stewardship, and a more inclusive culture.
Why Join the Bicycle Friendly Business Program?
Joining the BFB program in 2025 is a strategic move with tangible benefits:
- Employee satisfaction & retention: Bike commuters report lower stress and higher morale.
- Customer attraction: Cyclists support businesses that support them.
- Sustainability leadership: Showcase your commitment to green transport.
- Public recognition: Awards and map listings increase visibility.
With over 2,800 applications since its inception, the BFB program has become a trusted benchmark for business sustainability.
Step-by-Step Certification Process for 2025–2026
1. Know the Application Cycles
There are three application windows per year:
| Cycle | Opens | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | June 2025 | October 30, 2025 @ 11:59 PM PT |
| Spring 2026 | November 2025 | March 10, 2026 |
| Summer 2026 | March 2026 | TBD |
2. Understand Fees & Eligibility
Fees depend on employee size. Discounts may apply for:
- Honorable mention recipients
- Renewals
- Women-owned or minority-owned businesses
- League corporate members (one free entry/year)
| Employees | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1–49 (or Non-profit/Gov) | $50 |
| 50–499 | $100 |
| 500–999 | $250 |
| 1,000+ | $500 |
3. Prepare With the 5 E’s Framework
Your application will be judged using the 5 E’s of Bicycle Friendliness:
Engineering
- Secure bike racks
- End-of-trip facilities (lockers, showers)
- Lighting and signage
Education
- Internal communication
- Bike safety training
- Maps and ride planning tools
Encouragement
- Incentives (e.g., bike-to-work days)
- Bike clubs or challenges
- Reimbursement for gear or mileage
Evaluation & Planning
- Surveys and commute data tracking
- Bike plan integration with HR
- Continuous improvements
Equity & Accessibility
- Inclusive infrastructure
- Language access
- Adaptive bike options
- Tip: Supplement your application with photos, safety policies, infrastructure layouts, and ride event flyers.
Submit Application & Share Surveys
Once submitted, surveys will be sent to:
- Employees
- Customers
- Local cycling organizations
Their anonymous feedback plays a major role in scoring and award decisions.
Evaluation & Awarding
Over the next 3–4 weeks, your business is reviewed and scored. You’ll receive:
- A feedback report with actionable improvements
- One of the following award levels:
| Award Levels |
|---|
| Honorable Mention |
| Bronze |
| Silver |
| Gold |
| Platinum |
| Diamond (elite status) |
Celebrate, Improve, and Maintain
If awarded:
- Announce your achievement via press release or email campaign
- Add the BFB badge to your website and building
- Begin planning your next improvements
- Reapply every 4 years to maintain certification
Certification Overview Table
| Phase | Action Item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Choose correct cycle | Fall 2025 deadline: October 30 |
| Fees | Pay based on employee size | $50–$500 with potential discounts |
| Evaluation | Based on the 5 E’s | Holistic framework for culture change |
| Materials | Upload optional documents | Improves depth of review |
| Survey Collection | Sent to stakeholders | Influences outcome |
| Award & Feedback | Receive certificate + improvement report | Levels from Honorable Mention to Diamond |
| Renewal | Every 4 years | Maintain visibility & status |
How to Organize Safe, Senior-Friendly Social Rides
Supporting senior cycling aligns perfectly with BFB values. Seniors benefit greatly from cycling, yet they need special considerations to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment.
Here’s a practical framework:
Safety First: Gear & Standards
- Helmets are non-negotiable; must meet CPSC (U.S.) or EN 1078 (EU) standards
- Use reflective clothing, lights, and flat pedals
- Brief riders on visibility rules and hand signals
Heat & Hydration Management
- Avoid peak heat hours (11 AM – 4 PM)
- Ride early or late
- Hydrate at 0.4–0.8 L/hour (adjust for weight and heat)
- Include cool-downs and shaded rest stops every 20–30 minutes
Route Planning: Comfort Over Challenge
- Use protected bike lanes, flat terrain, and wide shoulders
- Avoid high-traffic intersections
- Design loop routes with bailout options
- Mark water, restroom, and rest zones
Keep It Social: Pace, Intensity, E-Bikes
- Advertise “no-drop” rides—nobody left behind
- Set a 10–12 mph average speed (16–19 km/h)
- Encourage heart rate targets: 50–70% max HR
- Allow e-bikes (Class 1 & 2 capped at 20 mph)
Prohibit de-restricted or high-speed setups that compromise group cohesion and safety.
Communication & Support
- Assign:
- Ride leader (front) – maintains pace, announces turns
- Sweep (rear) – assists slower riders, emergencies
- Use group texts or GPS tracking apps
- Collect ICE contacts, allergies, and emergency plans
Special Risks for Seniors
Common issues include:
- Difficulty mounting/dismounting
- Reduced balance or reaction time
- High injury severity from minor falls
Mitigation:
- Plan gentle starts and stops
- Use flat, clean surfaces
- Offer assistance and visual cues
Senior Social Ride Safety Checklist
| Item | What to Do | Standards/Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet & Visibility | Mandatory; check fit, lights, reflective gear | CPSC or EN 1078 standard |
| Ride Pace | No-drop policy; leaders keep pace steady | ≤ 12 mph / 16–19 km/h |
| Intensity | Encourage moderate effort | 50–70% of max HR |
| Route Selection | Use bike trails or protected lanes | Avoid climbs, high-traffic zones |
| Rest Stops | Schedule every 20–30 min | Stretch, hydrate, socialize |
| Hydration | Promote proactive drinking | 0.4–0.8 L/hour average |
| E-Bikes Policy | Allow Class 1/2; cap group speed | Max 20 mph for Class 1/2 |
| Traffic Education | Remind of lane use, passing, signaling | 3-ft passing rule (where applicable) |
| Emergency Support | Collect ICE info; provide GPS route links | Leader/sweep carry first aid and phone contact |
Bringing It Together: Workplace & Wellness
When businesses combine the BFB framework with inclusive cycling events, like senior rides, they create a culture of care—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Success Story Example:
A company in Oregon achieved Silver BFB status in 2024. They:
- Subsidized e-bike purchases for senior staff
- Hosted monthly rides with wellness staff present
- Offered “learn to ride again” sessions for older employees
The result? Reduced absenteeism, increased team bonding, and a new local reputation as a community-first brand.
Reapply, Improve, Repeat
Don’t treat certification as a one-time event.
Use the feedback from the League to:
- Improve bike parking, commuter showers, or on-site repair kits
- Expand group ride programs to new departments or demographics
- Evaluate impact through employee satisfaction and retention data
Track progress using annual surveys and refresh policies regularly.
Becoming a Bicycle Friendly Business isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about creating a culture of movement, mindfulness, and inclusion. And by integrating senior-focused ride programs, your organization can deepen that commitment.
Whether it’s:
- Improving your infrastructure
- Creating safe group ride environments
- Or achieving recognition that inspires others…
You’re not just joining a program—you’re leading a movement.
FAQs
Small businesses can complete it in under an hour. Larger organizations may take a few days to gather data, documentation, and coordinate responses.
You can earn: Honorable Mention, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond, based on your 5 E’s performance and community feedback.
Keep it around 10–12 mph on flat ground. This pace allows socializing while ensuring comfort and safety. Use e-bikes wisely to support slower riders without creating gaps.