The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (VACC) has deemed the new City Centre Library Surrey's most bikeable building for 2011.

The VACC's bikeable building assessment measures how well employers accommodate workers arriving on bike in the City of Surrey.

The assessment looks at physical facilities provided to cyclists, as well as the corporate culture and support of cycling from within the workplace and organization.

"We are really pleased. When planning the building we certainly looked at making it attractive for people who are biking," said chief librarian Beth Barlow.

Barlow said the award could have something to do with a major Lower Mainland bikeway that runs right past the library.

"Plus we have a lot of bike racks out front of the library."

Barlow said the library sees many people utilizing the bike racks.

"We have also seen a lot of people in the neighbourhood and kids."

Barlow said with the new library, they are always discovering new traits that make it an attractive destination.

The library also won a silver award in the 2011 Design Exchange Awards in November.

"Who would have thought we would be the most bikeable building?" Barlow said.

The library came out on top due to the modern design of its bike room allowing safe uncluttered indoor bike parking for staff, its convenient visitor bike parking located under cover and near the main entrance, as well as shower facilities and space to hang wet gear so employees can ride to work rain or shine and be comfortable at work.

Runners up included the SFU/Central City complex, Surrey City Hall and Central Surrey Business Park.

"We believe the city should be leading by example by helping to facilitate healthy, sustainable activities," said Mayor Dianne Watts. "Creating high-quality cycling facilities is important and we've emphasized that in our new cycling plan. We're proud the city is being recognized as a leader, and that our new, beautiful library is also Surrey's most bikeable building."

areid@thenownewspaper.com

twitter@amyreid87