Bicycles wait to be ridden outside the Law School. Image credit: Lisa Pappas, Office of Campus SustainabilityANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan has been named a bike-friendly university by the League of American Bicyclists in recognition of the university’s programs and commitment to bicycling on campus.

U-M received a bronze designation and is one of only 35 campuses nationwide to receive the designation of a bike-friendly university. To be chosen, a campus’s biking program must undergo an evaluation based on what the League of American Bicyclists calls its five E’s: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation and planning. Those campuses that receive a bike-friendly designation are seen as actively enhancing mobility on their campus through an increase in biking for transportation, exercise, recreation and sport among faculty, students and staff.

“We are excited that U-M has received the designation of a bike-friendly university, which formally recognizes that the biking programs we have put in place and continue to enhance are making an impact on the campus community,” said Steve Dolen, executive director of U-M Parking and Transportation Services. “Our biking program is going to expand given the demand we have seen from the campus community and the impact it can have in helping U-M achieve its goal of reducing its carbon footprint.”

The U-M bike program is a key component in the institution’s sustainable transportation strategy that includes a variety of transportation options designed to lessen the use of single-vehicle travel in and around campus.

“As universities compete for students and status, becoming more bicycle-friendly is a winning strategy that energizes and invigorates staff and the student body,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “By making cycling safe and enjoyable, BFUs are both educating and empowering the next generation to adopt smarter, healthier transportation habits that will last a lifetime.”

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. More information on the League of American Bicyclists can be found at www.bikeleague.org.

More information on the university’s biking program—including bike routes on campus and in the city, resources for parking and storing bikes, as well as bike safety rules and tips—can be found at http://pts.umich.edu/alternative_transportation/bicycles.php.

U-M Sustainability fosters a more sustainable world through collaborations across campus and beyond aimed at educating students, generating new knowledge, and minimizing our environmental footprint. Learn more at sustainability.umich.edu.