The Coral Gables Museum, which celebrates, investigates and explores the civic arts, has been recognized with a Silver Designation Bicycle- Friendly Business (BFBSM) Award from the League of American Bicyclists on Earth Day 2015.
The only South Florida recipient in 2015 to receive this honor, Coral Gables Museum joins 161 new and renewing BFBs in 46 states and Washington, DC. To date, more than 950 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States have received this designation for their efforts to transform the workplace.
“We are excited to join the ranks of hundreds of bicycle friendly businesses nationwide that have been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists,” said Christine Rupp, director of the Coral Gables Museum.
“Since we opened four years ago, we have continuously promoted bicycling as an alternative means of transportation, the virtues of a bicycling culture and offered educational programs and exhibits that encourage employees and visitors to ride,” she added.
In March, the museum debuted two bicycle-friendly exhibits: the third annual ARTcycle, an exhibit and public art installation that merges the Miami art scene with the Miami bike movement and “The Underline: Make It Yours,” an educational exhibit that introduces visitors to the plan to redevelop and enhance the M-Path, the bikeway that runs beneath the Metrorail from Brickell to Dadeland. Both exhibits run through May 24.
The Silver Designation BFB Award is the fourth award that Coral Gables Museum has received in the past year. In April, the museum won the Special Prize from the Brazilian International Press Award Board for its “12 Stadiums | 12 Cities: Brazil 2014 World Soccer Destination” exhibit. In December 2014, the museum won the Diamond Award from the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Non-Profit Organization. In April 2014, the museum received an Honorable Mention in the Preservation Education/Media category from the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.
In celebration of National Bike Month, the museum is hosting Gallery Night Bike Night on May 1, from 6 to 10 p.m. This free event, sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables, features the exhibits, a Ride to Awareness RV, bike checkups by Brickell Bikes, rum tastings and more.
The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a bicyclefriendly America for everyone. Through its BFB program, employers are recognized for their efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers, and the community. Deserving businesses are recognized at the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels and all applicants receive valuable feedback and assistance in becoming more welcoming to bicycling.
For more information, visit www.bikeleague.org/content/businesses.
For more information about educational programs or volunteering at the Coral Gables Museum, visit www.coralgablesmuseum.org.
