Providence Portland Medical Center Named Bicycle Friendly Business by League of American Bicyclists

March 18, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. — Providence Portland Medical Center has been awarded the silver designation as a “Bicycle Friendly Business” by the League of American Bicyclists. Providence Portland is the only hospital in Oregon to receive the designation.

“We’re delighted to highlight Providence Portland Medical Center and all the ways they are getting more people on bikes,” said League President Andy Clark. “In today’s challenging economic climate, businesses with healthy, happy and productive employees are going to be the most competitive and the most sustainable – the Bicycle Friendly Business program recognizes some of the best examples of this in practice.”

Providence Portland strives to make bicycling an easy option for transportation, and provides amenities such as secure, covered bike cages. “This is a great honor and recognition of employees, physicians, volunteers and even patients who cycle to work and to receive services,” says James Arp, Providence Portland Medical Center associate administrator. “The hospital is in an urban environment with bike lanes, designated bike routes, and access to public transportation – all things that encourage safe cycling for our employees.” More than 300 employees participate in the hospital’s bike group and receive an electronic newsletter that highlights bike events, rides and urban planning information.

Bicycle Friendly Businesses are recognized for weaving bicycling into their business culture and giving employees and customers the opportunity to be active stewards of their personal and environmental health through bicycling. When bicycling is infused in an office or company culture, great things happen: reduced health care costs; more productive employees; improved worker and customer; satisfaction; smaller carbon footprint; and increased corporate social responsibility.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. For more information visit www.bikeleague.org.