Santa Monica honored as 'bicycle-friendly'

In honor of National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists, a nonprofit group that is an advocate for the rights of cyclists, today awarded the city of Santa Monica a "bronze level distinction" for its "remarkable commitments to bicycling."

Santa Monica boasts nearly 16 miles of bike lanes, 19 miles of bike routes and a 3-mile-long beach bike path, according to a release from the city. The city's innovative bicycle valet program parked more than 20,000 bikes last year at community events. Plans are underway to build bicycle parking facilities downtown.

Santa Monica is the first city in western Los Angeles County to be given the award. Long Beach also was among this year's honorees. Previous recipients in the county were Claremont and Santa Clarita.

Municipalities are recognized for their role in promoting bicycling in five key categories: education, engineering, enforcement, encouragement and evaluation. The league awards platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards twice each year. More information is available at the league's website.

-- Martha Groves