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 2023, it must be renewed by the 2027 annual deadline (June 16, 2027).
     
  • 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.

Simplified vs. Full Renewal Application Eligiblity

Beginning in 2027, if a community meets the following criteria, they are eligible to complete a simplified version of the BFC Renewal Application.

• The community’s most recent BFC application was submitted within the last 5 years of the upcoming submission deadline (e.g. was submitted in 2022 or later to renew in 2027) and earned a Bronze or higher BFC award. 
   
• The community intends to renew/maintain their existing award level, and does not wish to be considered for a higher award level. 
   
• The applicant and their local partners are committed to distributing the BFC public survey. (See Simplified preview document for minimum survey response rates expected.)
   
• The community can demonstrate support from the Mayor, or other high-ranking elected official or relevant government role, via a required Letter of Support upload field. (See Simplified preview document for the Letter of Support upload field questions.)

You can preview the Simplified Renewal Application and learn more about the eligibility requirements here.

Duplicating a Previous Submission (allowable for any application submitted in 2018 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 2018 or later. 
   
• 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 (2027) BFC submission form: https://bicyclefriendly.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/108/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–2018

• Applications from 2017 or earlier are no longer able to be duplicated using the instructions above. However, you can request a view-only copy of your previous application, if you do not already have access to it from the Completed Forms Full History page. 
   
• If your last submission was in Spring 2016 or earlier:
  • The League moved to this system in Summer 2016, so you may 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

• For more guidance, see:
  • BFC Getting Started, Application Process & Criteria
  • BFC Program FAQs
  • BFC Resources
  • BFA Online Application Portal FAQs
  • BFC Ideabook