APL Wins Bike Friendly Business Award
[Press Release]
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) was awarded a bronze Bicycle Friendly Business Award by the League of American Bicyclists in a ceremony on its Laurel, Md., campus today. Recognized for its investment in bicycling to promote employee health and social responsibility, APL has an active cycling club, showers, locker rooms, secure bike parking and a personal fitness financial incentive.
"Cycling is something that contributes to the health of our staff," said APL Director Ralph Semmel. "By taking care of ourselves, we reduce our health costs and can pass this on to our sponsors. We will continue our efforts to make APL a welcoming place for cyclists."
The largest of three Maryland organizations honored by the League, APL was chosen from a field of 155 applicants nationwide. The Laboratory joins other notable national winners such as Microsoft, General Mills and Random House. The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle‐friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates.
The award ceremony was held on APL's campus in the new Building 200, which opened last month. The state-of-the-art facility houses APL's space department and features 48 covered bicycle parking spaces and four showers. Throughout its 399-acre campus, APL has additional bike racks and shower facilities. A new bike lane segment in front of the building on Johns Hopkins Road was added by the county in October 2011.
"Some of the most successful companies in the world are showing that investing in bicycling is not only good for health and sustainability but also the bottom line," said League president, Andy Clarke.
"With over 280 people active in cycling activities at APL and a growing number who commute to campus regularly on their bikes, APL's cycling amenities help make biking increasingly popular" said Fran Horan, APL Cycling Club president. "The new bike lane, covered parking, and showers at Building 200 are a bicycle commuter's dream."
The Applied Physics Laboratory, a not-for-profit division of The Johns Hopkins University, meets critical national challenges through the innovative application of science and technology. For more information, visit www.jhuapl.edu.
http://jhuapl.edu/newscenter/pressreleases/2011/111207.asp
Related: Bicycle Friendly Business Johns Hopkins University - Applied Physics Laboratory | Bronze Level - LAB