For Immediate Release 
 
 
Contact:  
Elizabeth Murphy
Communications Manager
League of American Bicyclists
(202)-621-5458
[email protected] 

Ivy League Continues the High Marks in Bike Friendliness

Harvard joins Yale and Princeton as a Bicycle Friendly University

 

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2013 -- It looks like the age-old rivalries among the Ivy League are taking a new shape: the race for gold in bike-friendliness. 
 
Harvard University now joins the likes of Princeton and Yale as Bicycle Friendly Universities (BFU).

 

Today, the League of American Bicyclists announced the designation of 14 new Bicycle Friendly Universities, expanding the program to 58 colleges in 30 states across America.

 

Click here to see the full list.

 

"More and more young people are getting on their bicycles instead of in their cars," said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. "The League commends universities like Harvard that are embracing that trend by providing better access and improved safety for bicyclists on their campuses."  

 

At Harvard, a new Silver-level BFU, there are plenty of options to travel by bike at the Cambridge, Mass., campus. With a Departmental Bike Program -- which involves 20 departments and offers the purchase of bicycles over reliance on a car or taxi around campus -- and two bike share programs, Harvard has cemented its commitment to bicycling as a sustainable, healthy and environmentally conscious transportation choice. 

 

"Our students, faculty and staff have created a vibrant bicycling community and, in partnership with Harvard's Schools, departments and community partners, we're working to make the University safer and more accommodating for bicyclists," said Harvard University Commuter Choice program coordinator Ben Hammer. "Harvard's strong support of bicycling makes the University stronger and helps our community explore alternatives to driving that are healthier and better for the environment."

 

The high marks don't end with the Ivy League. Also taking home honors this round is the University of California, Berkeley, which received a Silver award for its efforts to make bicycling accessible on campus. 

 

"It's a great honor to receive this award from the League," said Greg Haet, Chair of the Campus Bicycle Committee at Berkeley. "The number of students, faculty, and staff coming to the campus by bicycle continues to increase, and we're working hard to make Cal a better place for our growing cycling community. This award confirms that we're on the right track, and motivates us to continue making improvements."

 

In the Midwest, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was awarded with a Silver, as well. The campus's new Outdoor Adventure Center is just one of the reasons the Lincoln, Neb., university received the award. It provides bicycle repair opportunities, access to 24-hour end-of-commute shower facilities and bike locker storage. The University is also working on a new master plan, which will include multi-modal transportation priorities and projections for new bike infrastructure.

 

"The Bicycle Transportation Committee has worked diligently to evaluate, assess and execute a number of initiatives to support the university's goal of becoming a Bicycle Friendly University," said Steve Smith, University of Nebraska-Lincoln spokesman. "Bicycling is on the rise at UNL, and is increasingly seen as a healthy, supportable method of getting to, from and around campus. We're pleased that UNL's new designation will bring renewed attention to the university's as well as the City of Lincoln's progress in this important area."

 

The BFU program provides the roadmap and technical assistance to create great campuses for cycling. To apply or learn more, visit www.bikeleague.org/university. 

Spring 2013 Awards 
 
Silver: 
Harvard University
Lincoln Memorial 
   University
University of California, 
   Berkeley
University of Nebraska- 
   Lincoln

 

Bronze:
California Institute of 
   Technology
Clemson University
Gustavus Adolphus 
   College
James Madison University
Michigan Technological 
   University
New Mexico State 
   University
Old Dominion University
University of Michigan-
   Flint
University of New 
   England 
Virginia Tech

 

Renewal Award: 
Moved up Silver > Gold
Portland State University

 

 

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program: The Bicycle Friendly America program provides incentives, hands-on assistance, and award recognition for communities, universities and businesses that actively support bicycling, and ranks states annually based on their level of bike-friendliness. Learn more.  

 

 

 
About the League: 
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.  Learn more.