EPA honors city’s bike station
Long Beach, Calif. – The U.S. EPA has recognized the city’s Bikestation public transit center for bicyclists with a “Way To Go!” award. The award, part of EPA’s Transportation Partners Program, honors communities that improve local transportation through innovative, environmentally friendly methods.
Bikestation, which opened in March 1996, is the first multi-service transit facility of its kind in the nation. Sponsored by the city, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee, the Bikestation is designed to encourage bike trips. It is modeled on similar facilities throughout Europe and Japan.
Bikestation provides free, secure bicycle parking, bike rental and repair, licenses and permits for MTA rail access, as well as a cafe, a restroom and changing area, and educational and safety programs. Bikestation also provides links to public transportation such as light rail, shuttle and bus services.
EPA also honored Tempe, Ariz., which is adding new bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and Xenia and Greene counties, Ohio, which have converted 60 miles of former railways into pedestrian and biking trails.