Getting Started — Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC)

Why this guide?

Whether you are a municipal planner, elected official, cycling advocate, community group or resident, this guide helps you understand how to move from interest in the Bicycle Friendly Communities program to a complete application. It lays out the steps, roles, and timeline in a clear and approachable way so your community can plan for success.

For First-Time Applicants (Municipalities and Staff)

1. Review the BFC overview and FAQs.
   Begin with a look at what BFC is, why it matters, and how the “5 E” evaluation framework works.
2. Form a BFC task force.
   Bring together staff and local partners. This often includes cycling groups, public health, transit, schools, businesses, and community organizations. A team approach makes data collection and community engagement much easier.
3. Download the offline application form.
   This will show you everything the application asks for. It’s a good way to understand what information to gather from the start.
4. Create an account on the online BFC application platform.
   Your team can save progress and return to the application at any time.
5. Gather required data.
   Expect to contact several departments and organizations. Transportation, planning, parks, public health, schools, transit agencies, and local cycling groups often hold pieces of the information you need.
6. Secure three local reviewers.
   These should be people who know your community’s cycling conditions well. They might be advocates, public health staff, members of cycling clubs, or engaged residents. Their feedback is a valuable part of your submission.
7. Look for quick wins.
   Before sending in the application, see if any small improvements can be made. Examples include adding bike parking, updating signage, or launching a simple encouragement program. These actions show momentum and commitment.
8. Complete and review the application.
   Take your time. Make sure all required fields are filled in and that your local reviewers have submitted their forms.
9. Submit before the deadline.
   Follow the application cycle dates provided for the current round.
10. Plan for next steps.
    After submitting, prepare to share the feedback report, brief council or leadership teams, and begin outlining priorities for the next year.

Any questions? Be sure to email us [email protected]

For Community Advocates, Residents and Stakeholders

• Read the About BFC page and the FAQs to understand what the program involves.
• Contact municipal staff or your local council to express interest in having your community apply.
• Volunteer to join or support the task force gathering application information.
• Help with data collection such as cycling counts, infrastructure audits, or surveys.
• Offer to serve as one of the local reviewers.
• After the application is submitted, help share the feedback report and encourage community partners to support implementation of the recommendations.

For Renewing or Returning Applicants

• Start by reviewing your previous application and feedback report. Identify what has changed since you last applied, including new infrastructure, programs, policies or partnerships.
• Update any data that is now out of date.
• Create a new online account if needed or contact STR for help accessing your existing one.
• Use previous answers where appropriate but revise them to reflect recent progress.
• Submit by the deadline for the upcoming cycle.

Timeline and Key Dates

Getting Support

For questions about the application process or help with the online platform, contact the Share the Road BFC team at [email protected]

If you would like support building a task force, identifying reviewers, or collecting data, The Coalition can share examples and tools from other communities. Case studies, past applications, and additional resources are also available to help guide your local planning.