The League of American Bicyclists announced the latest honorees of the Bicycle Friendly Community award on January 28, and New Ulm has once again been designated a Bicycle Friendly Community at the Bronze level for 2025 – 2029.

New Ulm first received the designation in 2017 and communities must re-apply every four years.

“Over the years, individuals and organizations throughout our community have worked very hard to continue making our bicycling amenities and infrastructure here in New Ulm better and better for supporting safe bicycling,” said Alice Johnson, an active member of the New Ulm Bike Group, who led the application process in collaboration with The Heart of New Ulm and the City of New Ulm. “Since our Bronze level renewal in 2021, we’ve added two new trail kiosks to improve communication regarding trails and events, increased signage to improve safety on busy streets, coordinated monthly rides including the annual Oktoberfest ride and participated in the cities adopt-a-trail program for trash clean up. We’re now planning to pursue installing more bike racks throughout town as well as on the Herman Express to improve transit through town.” 

A Bicycle Friendly Community welcomes bicyclists by providing safe accommodations for bicycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and recreation. Making bicycling safe and convenient are keys to improving public health, reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and improving quality of life. New Ulm joins 32 other communities in Minnesota that have achieved the Bicycle Friendly Community designation.

More information on the Bicycle Friendly Community program is available on the League of American Bicyclists website at http://bikeleague.org/community.