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Planet Bike Helps Hometown Go Platinum on Mar 15, 2007
Madison, Wis. --March 15, 2007-- Planet Bike, a leading manufacturer of innovative, high quality, and practical bicycle accessories, is actively helping Madison become a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community.
Planet Bike has come together with Wisconsin-based Saris Cycling Group, Pacific Cycle, Inc. and Trek Bicycle Corporation to propel the city of Madison from Gold to Platinum status. As a result, Planet Bike has made a financial contribution to Madison's Platinum Bicycle Committee. Further, Planet Bike's Advocacy Coordinator Jay Ferm is serving as one of the committee's co-chairs. "We all know that Madison is a great city in which to be a bicyclist and we are trying to make it even better," said Ferm, "Personally, I am excited to be serving on the city's Platinum Committee on behalf of Planet Bike to further strengthen Madison's commitment to safe and sustainable bicycle transportation."
Beginning in 2003, the League of American Bicyclists launched its "Bicycle Friendly Community Campaign." The goal of the campaign is to identify communities that successfully employ measures that improve conditions for bicyclists. Cities that prove to be bicycle-friendly by implementing safe bike routes and encouraging citizens to commute by bicycle are honored with either a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum level designation.
The rationale behind the BFC's campaign is that if we can transform our towns and cities into safe and convenient places to bike, we will use less gas, become more fit, and reduce traffic congestion. As Planet Bike owner Bob Downs said, "This is the kind of world we at Planet Bike hope for. That is why we support Madison's efforts to gain the coveted Platinum designation."
Currently, Madison has been named one of seven Gold-level communities in the country but the goal is now to join Davis, California as the only other Platinum designee in the country.
Planet Bike builds high quality bicycle accessories that make it easier for people to ride their bikes. Since its inception in 1996, Planet Bike has believed in the potential of the bicycle to improve the world and the lives of the people in it. Therefore, each year it has donated at least 25% of profits to causes that promote and facilitate the use of the bicycle. By the end of 2007, Planet Bike will have donated more than $500,000 to the grassroots advocacy movement.
