Lexington, KY named in top 50 Best Bike Cities!

If you’re looking at Lexington homes, you’re in for a new treat.  Because of the city’s new commitment to bicycling, the editors of “Bicycling Magazine” have named Lexington Ky, as one of the top 50 cities in the United States.

Cycling enthusiasts have long heard of the legendary climate for riding in cities like Boulder, Minneapolis or even Madison (WI), but now Bluegrass homes are right in the mix. Factors that the editors considered in their evaluations included the miles of marked bike lanes on public streets, the availability of easily used bike racks on public transportation, the commitment local governments have made to improve the conditions for cyclists and the presence of a vital cycling community. Lexington has also been recently given about $7 million in combined local, state and federal funds which are dedicated to encouraging bikes as a citywide mode of transportation and recreation.  These grants will allow cyclists to crisscross the city more safely. If you venture onto Fayette County’s more rural roads, make sure to note the yellow “Share The Road” signs which mark well traveled bike routes used for recreation, fitness and commuting by residents.

The Bluegrass Cycling Club named the “Best Regional Cycling Club in America”

If you add the fact that the Bluegrass Cycling Club was just named the “Best Regional Cycling Club in America” by the League of American Bicyclists and the monthly “Second Sunday” rides which lead families and beginning riders to spots throughout the city on Police-escorted rides, it’s easy to see why the Bluegrass is truly becoming a cycling destination with a quickly developing national reputation.  This reputation will be expanded this year as about 2,500 cyclists from all over the world will come here for the “Horsey Hundred,” a nationally recognized, three-day bike festival over the Memorial Day Weekend.

Just to toot our own horn one last time, please come and join us for the “Ride For The Red”  which combines bikes, the Red Cross, and Equus Run Vineyards on May 15th, 2010.  Four rides varying from 10 miles long to a full “Metric Century” rode of 100 kilometers (63 miles) will challenge you physically and then soothe you with a Bluegrass barbecue lunch cooked on the grills at the winery while you help raise funds for the Red Cross.

Check out the rest of  Bicycling Magazine’s top 50 cities. Join our club by contacting the Bluegrass Cycling Club.  And if you’re looking for a new home with a bike-friendly location you can email me, Bill Cole at bcole@milestoneKY.com!