For years the League of American Bicyclists has been certifying bike-friendly communities. Towns and cities interested in certification apply, and are either rejected or certified. Those that are certified are placed into one of five category levels. From best to worst they are: Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention.

Several communities in the DC/MD/VA region have received certification for bike-friendliness. DC and Arlington own Silver level ratings, while Baltimore, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, and Roanoke have Bronze. Frederick and Rockville have Honorable Mentions

If it works for bikes, can it work for pedestrians?

Sure it can. Last week USDOT officially launched its Walk Friendly Communities initiative, which includes a certification system identical to the one used for bikes. The announcement last week included the first round of communities to receive certification, and Arlington is on the list with an impressive Gold level ranking – one of only 5 cities nationally to rate so highly. Charlottesville is also on the list, at Silver level.

Since the walk-friendly program is in its first year the overall list of certified communities is short. There simply hasn’t been time yet for many qualified towns and cities to apply. Nevertheless, it’s quite prestigious for Arlington to simultaneously hold high ratings in both categories.