Courtesy photo

Fayetteville has been awarded the designation of Bike City by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the world governing body of cycling.

It’s the first time a city in the United States has received the award. As of last year, there were 14 cities and regions that had been awarded the designation, including Copenhagen, Paris, Vancouver and Fyn.

The UCI gives the label to places that not only host major UCI cycling events, but also for their commitment to developing cycling at all levels, from elite competition to the use of bikes for leisure and as a means of transportation.

“We are so proud to be the first city in the United States to achieve the UCI Bike City Label designation,” said Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan. This is a powerful affirmation of the work Fayetteville has done for decades – and continues doing – to make cycling accessible for everyone.”

Molly Rawn, CEO of Experience Fayetteville, said Fayetteville’s plans to host the UCI’s World Cyclocross Championships in 2022 was a contributing factor to the designation, but the city’s bicycle master plan and other annual professional events like the Joe Martin Stage Race and FayetteCross also played a role in the award.

“The variety of cycling opportunities in and around our Fayetteville trails is one of the many reasons visitors come to Fayetteville year-round,” said Rawn. “I am tremendously proud of our city’s long-standing commitment to cycling and am excited about the impact this recognition will have.”