Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Press Release: Century Cycles Named a Gold Bicycle-Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists

CONTACT:
Scott Cowan, Owner-Century Cycles
440-356-5705 (office), 330-730-9928 (mobile), or scott@centurycycles.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 24, 2014

Century Cycles Named a Gold Bicycle-Friendly Business
by the League of American Bicyclists
First bicycle shop in Northeast Ohio to earn the award

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio - Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Century Cycles with a Gold Bicycle Friendly Business (BFBsm) award, joining more than 800 visionary businesses from across the country.

With the announcement of 150 new and renewing BFBs today in 39 states and Washington, D.C., Century Cycles joins a cutting-edge group of more than 800 local businesses, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.

"Visionary business leaders are recognizing the real-time and long-term impact that a culture of bicycling can create," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "We applaud this new round of businesses for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their employees."

Century Cycles encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities for customers such as ample bicycle parking, free air for tires, and their award-winning customer service for bicycles and accessories. Bicycling incentives for employees include cash paybacks for cycling to work, secure bike storage, and a guaranteed ride home in case of bad weather or mechanical difficulties.

Outside the stores, Century Cycles has spearheaded numerous efforts to improve the quality of life in our communities. Since 2008, they have sponsored and organized the Bike To School Challenge, which has increased the rate of students bicycling to six local schools, and educated thousands of students about the health, economic, and environmental benefits of cycling. The store has supported Bike Cleveland, the local cycling advocacy group, since its founding with membership promotions and awareness campaigns. Century Cycles is also a long-time sponsor and supporter of the area's most popular cycling events, such as the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, Bike MS Pedal to the Point, VeloSano, and the upcoming NEOCycle festival.

"We have always considered ourselves bicycle-friendly in the 22-plus years that we have been in business," said Scott Cowan, Owner of Century Cycles. "It's an honor to have the official recognition from the League of American Bicyclists, not to mention being the first bicycle shop in the area to earn the award. We are also very proud to be the first business of any type in Ohio to earn the Gold level of Bicycle Friendly Business."

"Even though we're a bike shop, it was not automatically given that we would be named a Bicycle Friendly Business," added Kevin Madzia, the company's IT Manager who led the application process. "We had to apply just like any other business, and we had to submit applications individually for each of our three stores. This allowed us to highlight the unique cycling cultures in each of the communities that we are located in."

Century Cycles is grateful for the assistance of Bike Cleveland's Executive Director Jacob VanSickle. Having helped other Cleveland-area companies earn the Bicycle Friendly Business award, he was familiar with the League of American Bicyclists' rigorous evaluation criteria, and this experience was invaluable in submitting the applications for Century Cycles' three stores.

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program
The Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM, Bicycle Friendly StateSM, Bicycle Friendly BusinessSM, and Bicycle Friendly UniversitySM programs are a tool for states, communities, businesses, and universities to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA. To apply or learn more about the free BFB program, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/content/businesses.

About the League of American Bicyclists
The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to listen and learn, define standards, and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change. www.bikeleague.org

About Century Cycles
Founded in 1992, Century Cycles is an award-winning, locally-owned chain of independent bicycle stores in Medina, Peninsula, and Rocky River, providing bicycles, bicycle accessories, and friendly, expert service to northeast Ohio bicyclists and their families. At its Peninsula location, Century Cycles also rents bicycles year-round for riding on the Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Website: www.centurycycles.com
Blog: www.blog.centurycycles.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CenturyCycles
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CenturyCycles

1059 North Court Street (Route 42), Medina, OH 44256
330-722-7119

1621 Main Street (Route 303), Peninsula, OH 44264
330-657-2209

19955 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH 44116
440-356-5705

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