Elmhurst earns Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community designation, volunteers credited

Elmhurst received a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists, the national advocacy group announced at the City Council meeting on March 2.

Kevin Deckingga, director of membership and development for the League of American Bicyclists, presented the award and highlighted Elmhurst’s expanded on-street bike networks, pedestrian upgrades, curb bump-outs and local policies such as a complete-streets approach and a bike-parking ordinance. “Elmhurst has shown steady improvement in their programming and accommodations for bicycling,” Deckingga said.

Mayor Scott Leven and members of the volunteer Walk and Rollers committee credited city staff, the police and fire departments, and local school district participation for helping the group complete an application and regain the designation. Mike Lisero, who has chaired the Walk and Rollers effort, said the application took eight to nine months and involved broad community participation.

The city previously held a bicycle-friendly designation in the early 2010s but allowed it to lapse; the standing Bronze level reflects a renewed, formal commitment to active-transportation planning. Committee members named several near-term priorities the League cited in its application, including expanded bike lanes, refuge islands, a building code that supports bike parking and public outreach efforts.

Council members and volunteers said they hope the Bronze award will spur further investments to improve safety and encourage walking and cycling across age groups. City staff and volunteers suggested using the designation as leverage to secure state and private funds for future projects.

The presentation concluded with congratulations from the League and remarks from council members recognizing the volunteer time that went into the application.