Laramie was listed as a bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists Nov. 16. Laramie ranked among 26 new and 77 renewing bicycle friendly communities named by the League, out of 140 applicants.The League awarded communities that were making efforts to make bicycling safe, comfortable and convenient.

Dewey Gallegos, owner of the Pedal House bicycle shop in Laramie, is a fourth generation Laramie resident who has watched the bicycling culture evolve over time. He says one of the largest changes he noticed is the attitude towards bicycling.

“I think the acceptance of bicycles has just become really positive in this town, because of the growth of the industry,” Gallegos said.  “I haven’t been yelled at to get on the sidewalk for a really long time.”

Gallegos thinks a large benefit to being labeled a safe community to bicycle will be a push for greater bike safety education, especially among University of Wyoming students.

“Making that a priority at least at specific times when we get new students in town, we wouldn’t have to give out as many tickets or have as many accidents if there was that education that just helped people get out there.”

Gallegos said education would combat illegal bicycling habits like riding on the sidewalk or against the flow of traffic. The League gave Laramie a bronze rating.

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