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North Country Wins Bicycle Friendly Community Status

Bethlehem, Littleton, and Franconia recognized by League of American Bicyclists

BWANH is happy to start off the New Year with this great announcement. We are thrilled to report that in December 2022 the League of American Bicyclists awarded a sixth New Hampshire “community” the status of Bicycle Friendly Community! Congratulations to the North Country’s “Tri-Town Area,” which includes Bethlehem, Littleton and Franconia. They join Lebanon, Hanover, Keene, Portsmouth and Concord which were already certified. This year’s crop of new Bicycle Friendly Communities brings the total to 501 across all 50 states.

The Tri-Town area focused on several things including their amazing bike trail networks, which include pump tracks and beginner trails, as well as more challenging trails for experienced riders.  Networks include Bethlehem Trails Association, Parker Mountain in Littleton, and the Franconia Area NEMBA trails.  The three networks combined total nearly 100 miles of trails. These trails are used all winter as over 40 miles are groomed for fat bike riding!

The Tri-Town Community also participates in BWANH’s Safe Routes to School program, providing bike safety education to schools and organizations in the Bethlehem, Franconia, Littleton area. Additionally, Bethlehem Trails Association’s Gear Library offers free and low-cost bike and helmet rentals including balance bikes.

The League also recognizes Bicycle Friendly Businesses (1,527 nationwide; 7 in NH) and Bicycle Friendly Universities (221 nationwide; two in NH). For more information, visit www.bikeleague.org/bfa/awards.