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Guidance for Returning BFC Applicants 

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

Renewal Timeline

  • BFC designations (Bronze or higher) last 4 years.
     
    • Example: If your award was given in 2022, it must be renewed by the 2026 annual deadline (June 17, 2026).
       
    • You may reapply early if you’ve made major improvements—but renewals are only required every 4 years.
       
    • Email bfa@bikeleague.org to request an extension beyond 4 years. 
       
  • Honorable Mention status has no renewal requirement.
     
    • Honorable Mention communities remain on the League’s website for one year, but the status does not expire. 
       
    • Honorable Mention communities are encouraged to implement the suggested improvements provided on their BFC Report Card before reapplying for a higher award level.

Duplicating a Previous Submission (from Fall 2016 or later)

  • Our online application system allows you to duplicate a past application into the current online submission form, if the previous submission was from Fall 2016 or after.z
     
  • 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 responses into the current (2026) BFC submission form: https://bicyclefriendly.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/97/home?createFromLinkedSolicitation=True
     
  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 BFC 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 BFC status” to create a new account and begin 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

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