USA Cycling was ecstatic today to hear that Richmond, Virginia was selected to host the 2015 UCI Road World Championships. The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), competitive cycling’s international governing body, selected Richmond following a competitive bid process, with the country of Oman ultimately dropping out. It will be the first time the UCI Road World Championships will be held in the U.S. since 1986.
Despite the fact that the 2015 UCI Road World Championships are four years away, extensive planning already has begun. In addition to the World Championship events, other events and activities aimed at establishing a long-lasting legacy of bicycling in central Virginia for individuals of all ages and abilities is an important goal for the city, Richmond 2015, sponsors and strategic partners.
Follow the planning and progress on the 2015 UCI World Road Cycling Championships at www.richmond2015.com, Facebook.com/Richmond2015 or on Twitter at richmond2015.
While Ottawa claims to have the highest percentage of bike commuters in the country, if not the continent, cycling is popular across the United States and many cities have prepared itineraries for enthousiasts.
Check out this list below of some of the great opportunities available to you in the US:
Boulder, Colorado
Denver’s little hippy neighbor to the north dedicates 15% of its transportation budget to improving and promoting bicycle travel. Nearly every major roadway has a designated cycling area, and they’ve even instituted a pilot program to get kids biking to school. One cycling enthousiast has created a handy colour-coded route map, complete with local attractions.
Chicago, Illinois
Late during his 22-year tenure, Mayor Richard Daley became set on turning Chicago into “the most bicycle-friendly city in the United States.” The City of Chicago website has all you could ever want to know about the city’s bicycle initiatives.
Davis, California
It’s said there are more bikes than cars in this small, northern California city of 65,000. Not only that, but its official motto is “Most bicycle friendly town in the world.” The city marks Bike Month throughout May.
Portland, Oregon
You were worried there for a second, weren’t you? No, we haven’t forgotten what most people consider the bike capital of the U.S. The only thing as impressive as Portland’s bicycle infrastructure (including a 260-mile network) and commuter stats (almost 10%, the highest in the country) is the camaraderie of its cyclist community.
San Francisco, California
Don’t overlook the founding city of Critical Mass — mass bike rides that take place in cities around the world. Over the past decade, bicycle collisions have declined while the number of bike commuters has nearly doubled. City initiatives like removing car parking to make room for bike parking, distributing “Watch for Bikes” stickers (to be placed on driver’s side rearview mirrors), and its bike share program make San Francisco one of the world’s most bike-friendy cities.
You might also be interested in:
10 long-distance bicycle routes in the U.S.
12 essential items for a cycling trip
Don’t forget to check out Duty Free Canada’s specials and pick up some discounted, duty free goods to enjoy during your stay!
