Every year in the spring and fall, The League of American Bicyclists awards the distinction of bronze, silver, gold and platinum to cities and towns across the nation that have applied to be Bicycle Friendly Communities; currently there are 260 communities across the nation. A designation lasts four years, but during the interim, communities can reapply to improve their status. In 2012, Carbondale earned the bronze designation; The Carbondale Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Commission is trying to improve that status to silver. Carbondale is a thriving bicycle community and hosts various organized bicycle tours such as the Bicycle Tour of Colorado and Ride the Rockies; the paved Rio Grande Trail goes through the heart of town and mountain bike trails are abundant. With the help of some grants, Carbondale is adding a bicycle park that will be completed in September and will include a pump track, bridges, various obstacles and banked turns. In my humble opinion, Carbondale is worthy of the silver medal!
Janet DeMars
Program Director
Jaywalker U
