Fayetteville became the first city in the U.S. to be awarded the designation of âBike Cityâ on Feb. 4 by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body for sports cycling.Â
Cities earn the distinction by satisfying the UCIâs primary requirements â hosting UCI cycling events and increasing bicycle accessibility throughout the municipality, according to the UCI. Bike Cities can host more UCI events and boost cycling tourism.
Brannon Pack, cycling coordinator at Experience Fayetteville, said the city was not in contention for the designation until 2019, when it was approved to host the 2022 Cyclo-Cross World Championships at Centennial Park. This endeavor, combined with a history of hosting cycling competitions, demonstrated the cityâs commitment to competitive cycling, Pack said.