The League of American Bicyclists has selected two bike shops in Fayetteville to receive its Bicycle-Friendly Business designation, according to a spokesperson from a regional active-living initiative for the New River region of southern West Virginia.
New River Bikes and Marathon Bicycle Company were awarded silver-level designations for their efforts to accommodate and encourage bicycle riding in their community, according to Melanie Seiler, executive director for Active Southern West Virginia.
The shops will be added to a nationwide network that helps attract visitors to the recognized locations. West Virginia is home to six other businesses that have received the award, but these are the first located in southern West Virginia, says Seiler, whose organization helps facilitate opportunities for physical activity in the region.
The league also recognizes bicycle-friendly universities and communities, of which Morgantown is the only designated community in West Virginia.
Andy Davis, a trails-coordinator for Active, helped the businesses prepare to apply for the recognition this past winter through its bike/walk program, which seeks to increase the connectivity of local trails and accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists.