Cogentes Receives Gold Bicycle Friendly Business Award!

Cogentes, a Milledgeville-based IT firm, was just named Georgia’s first Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Business. This is a huge accomplishment for Cogentes!

 Our sincere congratulations as well to the Columbus Georgia Civic Center and Atlanta Trek in Peachtree City, both of whom were awarded Silver-level BFB status. Great job! These designations are a welcome sign that Georgia’s business community understands the importance of making bicycling easy, safe, and accessible for all Georgians. The official press release about Cogentes’ award from the League of American Bicyclists is below.   Washington, D.C. — April 22, 2015 — Today, the League of American Bicyclists has awarded 161 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Businesses in 31 states and Washington, D.C. With this Earth Day announcement, the program has grown to include more than 950 visionary local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies from across the country that are changing the script on what it means to provide a top-notch experience and atmosphere for employees and customers alike.  “On this Earth Day, the League recognizes and applauds the efforts of these business leaders across the country,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “Their leadership is setting a precedent in their communities, states and the nation for what it means to practice what you preach.  

They are forging a better future for us all by investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their employees.”    Bicycle Friendly Businesses encourage a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere for employees and customers. BFBs attract and retain energized, alert and productive employees, while decreasing healthcare costs. This round, Cogentes, located in the Bicycle Friendly Community of Milledgeville GA, became the first business in the state to receive a Gold Bicycle Friendly Business designation. “Cogentes is both honored and thrilled to be named a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Business,” said President and CEO Tom Glover.  “Over the past two years since receiving our Bronze level designation from the league, we have focused on instilling a culture of cycling as both a viable means of transportation and a fun, family activity.  Every member of our team participated in the 2014 National Bike Challenge as did many of their family members.  Through creative programs such as our monthly Bike with the Boss, Cycle for Vacation Time and year-end giveaways, many of our employees have been become avid cyclists.  

Furthermore, these employees have encouraged their entire families to start cycling and build a lifelong love of the sport.”   As the state’s only Gold designated Bicycle Friendly Business, Cogentes is looking forward to being an ambassador for this program to help promote more bicycle friendly businesses throughout the region.  With the 2015 Georgia Bike Summit being held in Milledgeville this year, Cogentes plans to play an integral part in the programs and encourage other businesses to follow their lead in making cycling core to their culture.  To apply or learn more about the BFB program, visit the League online.  

 ***   About the Bicycle Friendly America Program:  The Bicycle Friendly America  program provides incentives, hands-on assistance and award recognition for  communities, universities and businesses that actively support bicycling, and ranks  states annually based on their level of bike-friendliness. These programs are  generously supported by Trek Bicycle.    About the League: The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to  create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to  listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse  communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change. For more information  or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.