Chattanooga restaurant 212 Market was announced as a Silver Designation Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists at the Fall 2009 BFB Interbike International Tradeshow hosted in Las Vegas. 212 Market is one of 45 BFB award winners in the U.S.

“We are honored to have received this designation from the League of American Bicyclists,” said Sally Moses, cyclist and co-owner of 212 Market. “As the state’s first nationally recognized Green Certified restaurant, we continue our dedication to the environment every day through commitments such as encouraging our patrons and employees to ride their bicycles to our restaurant. It’s good for the community, our people and our planet.”

“We’re delighted to highlight Chattanooga’s 212 Market and the ways in which they are getting more people on bikes,” said League President Andy Clark. “In today’s challenging economic climate, businesses with healthy, happy and productive employees are going to be the most competitive and the most sustainable – the Bicycle Friendly Business program recognizes some of the best examples of this in practice.”

The BFB program recognizes socially-responsible businesses that promote healthy, happy, and green workplaces and provides a road map to become even more bicycle-friendly in the years to come.

“Businesses across the nation are rising to the challenge of reducing their carbon footprint and improving the health of their employees - we are excited to be able to provide a roadmap to help achieve both these goals, and to recognize those companies that are leading the way," said Mr. Clark.

Bicycle Friendly Businesses are corporations, organizations, nonprofits and associations that weave bicycling into their business culture and give employees and customers the opportunity to be active stewards of their personal and environmental health through bicycling.

Officials said, "When bicycling is infused in an office or company culture, great things happen: reduced health care costs; more productive employees; improved worker and customer; satisfaction; smaller carbon footprint; and increased corporate social responsibility."

The Bicycle Friendly Community and Bicycle Friendly Business programs are generously supported by program partners Bikes Belong and Trek Bicycle’s One World, Two Wheels Campaign.

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates.

212 Market is Tennessee’s first certified green restaurant, providing a fine dining experience with the ease of casual dining prices right in the heart of downtown Chattanooga. 212 Market offers the warmth and comfort of traditional southern hospitality, combined with a world-class culinary experience.

The restaurant has an award-winning wine list, features a brunch menu Saturdays and Sundays and live music on selected days. 212 Market is located at 212 Market St. in downtown Chattanooga. For more information about 212 Market, please call 423 265-1212.