Cycling is definitely becoming the new green mode of transportation for the new millennium. The Prius may be all right in Hollywood, but all across America, and for that matter, the world, cyclists are taking to the streets in droves.

Of course with the increased two-wheel traffic, the need for further safety measures has arisen. But all across the world, residents and leaders are endeavoring to make their cities the safest and friendliest for cyclists, which also results in a cleaner city. Bike racks are replacing car parking spaces, and cities are installing more and more bike paths and lanes to keep the cyclists and motorists separate.

The League of American Bicyclists has just awarded their national prizes for Bike Friendliness, and, surprisingly, New York City has been awarded a bronze medal. The platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards are presented twice a year.

New York’s win can likely be attributed to current mayor Michael Bloomberg’s efforts to promote cycling across the city by installing 400 to 500 bike racks a year. He’s also set a goal of setting aside 400 miles of bike lanes by 2009. Currently, New York can boast 1 mile of bike lanes to every 15 for cars, but by 2009, they hope to bring that down to a 1 to 10 ratio. Already, other cities like San Francisco have breached a ratio of 1 to 7.

"The way we think about transportation and how we use our limited street space is changing," said Janette Sadik-Khan, New York City’s transportation commissioner.

Many believe that New York’s shift of focus towards the two-wheeled transport is due to a recent study conducted last year by the city health and transportation departments. The report found that some 3,500 cyclists were injured by cars between 1996 and 2003, leaving 225 fatally injured.

The report forced the city to announce a $1 million public service ad campaign that started last month, addressing the issue and warning drivers and cyclists to be aware of each other on the road.

On the other hand, Davis, California once again rode away (sorry about that one…) with the League of American Bicyclists Platinum award. It was the second time that the university town took the award.

For an avid cyclist like me, a town like Davis which is is literally filled with two-wheeled pedal pushers seems like a dream home. But according to locals, the town is enduring a change.

"Newcomers are not as tied into the bike culture here," says David Takemoto-Weerts, UC Davis’ bicycle program coordinator.

The newcomers are generally car commuters to Sacramento and the Bay Area. This characteristic, along with the overall rise in population, means that the situation will soon need to be readdressed so that the bike friendly town doesn’t become a death trap for cyclists.

So, as I finish this article, let me point out to you all that cycling is one of those things that you can do for the environment. Even if it’s simply slipping on a backpack and going to get your milk rather than driving up to get it, that’s something. But good exercise plus clean transportation… really, can you ask for anything better?

Philadelphia Bicycle News - League of American Bicyclists Announce Bicycle Friendly Communities

AP - Cycling Gains Ground in NYC

Sacbee.com - Raising bar on biking

Photo - Simon Abrams, Brooklyn, New York - Bike New York Photo Contest