The League of American Bicyclists recognized the University of Rochester with a Bronze Bicycle Friendly University (BFUSM) award, joining more than 100 visionary colleges and universities from across the country.
With the announcement of 49 new and renewing BFUs from 31 states, the University of Rochester joins a cutting-edge group of colleges and universities across the United States transforming their campuses and the communities around them. There are now 127 BFUs in 42 states and Washington, D.C.
The Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) program recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a bicycle friendly campus for students, staff and visitors. It evaluates the applicant’s efforts to promote bicycling in five areas: engineering, encouragement, education, enforcement and evaluation/planning.
“In its fourth year, we’ve seen the Bicycle Friendly University program reach an exciting level of growth and momentum, as more and more campuses support bicycling in new and innovative ways,” said Amelia Neptune, the League’s Bicycle Friendly University program manager. “From bike storage inside dorm rooms to bicycle-powered music festivals, we applaud this round of BFUs for raising the standard of what a bicycle-friendly campus looks like.”
The University of Rochester encourages bicycling through UR Connections as an alternative option for transportation. UR Connections is the University’s campaign to promote the use of transportation alternatives that assist in reducing commuting costs for employees, reducing campus congestion, and promoting the sustainability efforts for the University of Rochester and our community. Through UR Connections, University students, staff, and employees can sign up for either a walking, biking, carpool, or public transportation bundle. These bundles allow University members to make more sustainable lifestyle choices while also allowing them to drive to campus when absolutely necessary. The bundles include a variety of amenities such as one-day parking passes, guaranteed rides home, coordinated WELL-U programs, access to bike racks and lockers, and prime parking spaces.
Moving forward, the University of Rochester will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. Making our campus more bicycle-friendly is a great sustainability initiative. Biking rather than driving or taking the bus is great exercise. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by cars, trucks, and buses.
“This award recognizes the efforts of the University in promoting alternative and active transportation options for our faculty, students, and staff and the positive impacts that bicycling has in promoting sustainability on our campuses” says Hugh Kierig, Director of the Rochester Department of Transportation and Parking Management.
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. The Bicycle Friendly CommunitySM, Bicycle Friendly StateSM, Bicycle Friendly BusinessSM and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA. To apply or learn more about the free BFU program, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/university.
Written by Alyssa Lemire, Class of 2017
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