National Weather Service Honolulu and Central Pacific Hurricane Center being presented a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Business Award. From left, Bob Ballard, John Bravender, Chris Brenchley, Daniel Alexander (HBL), and Matt Foster. (May 18, 2017)
Earlier this month, National Weather Service Honolulu and Central Pacific Hurricane Center received a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly BusinessSM award from the League of American Bicyclists. We are the first BFB in Hawaii, and even received a special mention in the League’s national press release since they now have businesses in all 50 states. Hawaii Bicycling League presented the award at our office during Bike to Work Week.
The BFB designation is a great recognition of an office culture that encourages active commuting, but is it part of a larger plan? It actually ties into an idea that’s been percolating for a while concerning bicycles and emergency preparedness. (I looked back to find an earlier article on this topic, but apparently haven’t yet written about it here.) For me it started with an article from CityLab concerning the Disaster Relief Trials. Immediately following a disaster, roads are going to be blocked by downed trees and power lines. Cars won’t be able to get through, but bikes can either maneuver around or be lifted over the debris. Even in the days following a disaster, when roads have been cleared, there will start to be a problem with fuel shortages and human-powered transportation will still be needed.
One of the messages we continuously push, especially in our talks leading up to hurricane season, is to prepare ahead of time. Have two weeks of supplies, have the many other necessities in a preparedness kit, and have an emergency plan ahead of time. People should also consider transportation as part of that plan. As our office strives to be more bike friendly for our staff and our visitors, we also want to serve as a resource and an example for others to follow as they prepare for a disaster.
The application for the Bicycle Friendly Business award is pretty thorough, and covers the areas of 1) Engineering, 2) Encouragement, 3) Education, and 4) Evaluation and Planning. The League rated us highest on engineering and evaluation/planning, while our employees rated us highest on engineering and encouragement. An office shower and indoor bike rack were a big part of the rating. Our culture has also become more and more encouraging within the office, though entirely from the grass-roots level. Hopefully our BFB award will inspire others within our office to ride to work, and also inspire other businesses in Hawaii to apply.