Bainbridge Island was recognized this week as one of 11 communities across the country to earn a “Bicycle Friendly Community” award by the League of American Bicyclists.

The award recognizes communities that have made “impressive, measurable efforts to integrate bicyclists into the community,” according to the league.

“I have to say this is a huge accomplishment,” said Don Willott, chair of the city’s Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Committee. “The designation is one with real meaning – it is a very competitive process,”

Communities are judged on their support of cycling in five key areas: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and planning.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate our island’s commitment to alternative transportation,” said Mayor Darlene Kordonowy. “We’re fortunate to have a cycling community which is committed not only to riding their bikes, but to educating the rest of us about the needs of bicyclists and the benefits of alternative transportation.”

The award has four levels — platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Bainbridge received recognition at the bronze level, as did Port Townsend. “This is some really good news, it is something we can build on as we work for continued improvements, and for now, it is an acknowledgment of our efforts and our potential,” said Levin.

Initiated in 2003, the Bicycle Friendly Community program has given awards to 84 out of over 210 cities and counties that have applied for it.

Chris Wierzbicki has had quite a run at City Hall. In about a year, Wierzbicki has served in the planning department, was interim city engineer and has lately run the Winslow Way revamp, one of the biggest projects in city history.

Today, Wierzbicki was named to the newly created post of deputy planning director.

He’s also an accomplished drummer and trumpeteer, as I found while searching for a photo of the guy. Maybe he’ll form a band with Finance Director Elray Konkel, who used to tour as a bass player before his money-crunching days. That, of course, begs the question of what they’d call their band. I’ll leave that to your imagination…

See my story about Wierzbicki’s new job below.

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Cheyne Clark has dusted off Bainbridge High’s vaulting pole to break records and revive one of the classic track and field events.

Drawing on his talents as a gymnast and diver, Clark is largely a self-made vaulter. He’s relied on videos and bits of coaching wherever he can get it. It’s paid off. He broke the school record and is currently one of the top vaulters in the state.

Read sports reporter Nathan Joyce’s profile and see video of Clark in action here.