Fort Collins has once again solidified its reputation as a national leader in cycling by retaining its prestigious Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists. This latest achievement marks the fifth time our city has earned the highest honor possible, placing it in an elite group of only three communities across the entire United States currently holding this rank in 2026. Since first achieving the Platinum title in 2013, Fort Collins has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to transforming the way we move, emphasizing that biking is a vital part of our local identity.
This recognition highlights more than just our world-class infrastructure; it celebrates the combined efforts of transportation professionals and residents who work tirelessly to make our streets safer and more accessible. The League’s award acknowledges our city’s robust investment in bike education programs, pro-bike policies, and a culture that encourages residents to choose two wheels for everything from essential commutes to weekend recreation. Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, noted that communities like ours have laid the essential groundwork to make biking a safe and transformative option for all Americans.
The spirit of a bicycle-friendly community extends deep into our local economy and academic institutions. Fort Collins is home to 61 Bicycle Friendly Businesses, one of the highest concentrations in the nation. This includes the City of Fort Collins itself, which operates as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Business, and Colorado State University, which maintains its own status as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly University. This widespread support ensures that whether you are heading to work, class, or the local shop, you are supported by a community that values active transportation.
A cornerstone of our Platinum-level success is the City of Fort Collins’ Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. In partnership with Bike Fort Collins and the Poudre School District, this program is recognized as a national leader in getting students to walk, bike, and roll safely.
The SRTS program currently covers all elementary and middle schools in the district, ensuring that safety education starts early. By providing in-school bike safety training, organized field trips, and targeted infrastructure improvements around campuses, the program empowers students to embrace active transportation as a natural part of their daily lives.
Our success is truly a community-wide effort. Significant participation in events like Winter Bike to Work Day proves that our cycling culture thrives year-round, helping to build the habits and confidence necessary for a sustainable future. We also owe a huge thank you to the community members who shared their voices through the League’s survey, as your feedback is what helps us continue to improve. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to maintaining this momentum and building an even better, more connected community together.