Guidance for Returning BFB Applicants 

Thank you for staying engaged with the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) Program!

Renewal Timeline

• BFB designations (Bronze or higher) last 4 years.
   
  • Example: If your award was given in 2022, it must be renewed in 2026.
     
  • Email bfa@bikeleague.org to request an extension on your renewal. 
     
  • You may reapply early if you’ve made major improvements—but renewals are only required every 4 years.
     
• Honorable Mention status has no renewal requirement.
   
  • Honorable Mention businesses are highlighted on their application round’s award announcement list, but the status does not expire. 
     
  • Honorable Mentions are encouraged to implement the suggested improvements provided on their BFB Feedback Report before reapplying for a higher award level.
     

Extended Grace Period Update

• The League extended our policy of offering a 1-year Grace Period during COVID; currently, we have in effect a 4-year Grace Period. The final year of our extended Grace Period policy is 2027. We will be returning to the stricter policy of only granting 1-year grace periods on January 1, 2028. 
   
• On January 1, 2027, BFBs who last applied in 2018 will become Lapsed, and BFBs who last applied in the years 2019-2022 will be considered in a Grace Period and will need to renew in 2027 to maintain their award designation.
   
• On January 1, 2028, BFBs who last applied in the years 2019-2022 will become Lapsed, and BFBs who last applied in 2023 will be considered in a Grace Period and will need to renew in 2028 to maintain their award designation.
   

Duplicating a Previous Submission (from Spring 2019 or later)

• Our online application system allows you to duplicate a past application into the current online submission form, if the previous BFB submission was from Spring 2019 or after.
   
• Need help or have feedback during this process? Contact: bfa@bikeleague.org.

Steps to Duplicate Your Prior Submission:

1. Log in using the same account as your previous application.
   • The username is the primary account holder’s email address. 
   • Need help? You can reset your password, or contact bfa@bikeleague.org to retrieve or transfer account credentials to a new user.
2. Click the following link to copy over your previous application answers into the Spring 2027 BFB Application: https://bicyclefriendly.secure-platform.com/a/organizations/main/solicitations/111/linkedapplications
    
3. Choose the correct submission year/round that your previous application was submitted from the dropdown menu and click Search. (You can leave the ‘Form Name’ field blank.)  
    
4. Click “Use this Form” next to your previous submission to copy it into the current form.
    
5. Review and update all answers—fields that have changed may not carry over automatically, and there will likely be new questions and answer options that need attention.

Starting Fresh Instead?

• Prefer to begin a new application from scratch instead? Just click “Apply for BFB status” to start a brand-new application: https://apply.bikeleague.org.

If Your Last Application Was Pre–Spring 2016

• The program transitioned to the current online system in April 2016.
   
• If your last submission was in Spring 2016 or earlier:
  • ​​​​You'll need to create a new account to renew. Just click “Apply for BFB status” to create a new account and start a new application: https://apply.bikeleague.org.
     
  • Want a PDF of your earlier application or feedback report? Email: bfa@bikeleague.org.

Further Resources for Returning Bicycle Friendly Communities

• For more guidance, see:
  • BFB Getting Started
  • BFB Program FAQs
  • BFB Resources
  • BFA Online Application Portal FAQ