Efforts continue to make it safer in Chapel Hill for cyclists and pedestrians.

The League of American Bicyclists has announced its designation of Chapel Hill as a Bicycle Friendly Community at the bronze level. The designation is valid for four years.

According to the announcement letter: “The decision involved careful review of your application, supplemental material and consultation with local cyclists. As you know, this award is presented only to communities with remarkable commitments to bicycling. You should be very proud of this accomplishment. “ View the Chapel Hill Report Card.

“While we are pleased to receive this unique designation, we also recognize that there is much work to be done to create a safer cycling environment and to make cycling a more convenient everyday choice,” said David Bonk, Town of Chapel Hill Long Range and Transportation Planning Manager. “We are working on many fronts toward this goal.”

The Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM, Bicycle Friendly StateSM, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly UniversitySM programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit http://www.bikeleague.org/BFA

Town Manager Roger Stancil has established an interdepartmental staff group that combines law enforcement, planning, traffic engineering, parks and recreation, and public outreach representatives. The team is championed by Police Chief Chris Blue with project leaders Police Sgt. Celisa Lehew and Len Cone, Go Chapel Hill community outreach coordinator. The group has identified a number of immediate actions to pinpoint problem traffic spots and improve safety. The staff team is working closely with the Town’s Transportation and Connectivity Board and the Bicycle Alliance of Chapel Hill (BACH).