Bicycle Friendly University

Colorado State University| Silver Level

University Highlights: The Colorado State University (CSU) is internationally known for its efforts supporting green initiatives that reduce its carbon footprint. The administration is focused on these priorities and encourages environmentally enlightened programs and practices. CSU has recently become a part of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment, and as a member of this group has created a Climate Action Plan that focuses on reducing campus emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. The plan will improve infrastructure for faculty staff, and students who bike to campus, such as bike racks and locker facilities, and provide incentives to encourage biking. To help create a “bicycle-friendly” atmosphere at CSU, the CSU Campus Bicycle Advisory Committee (CBAC) was self-initiated by passionate cyclists on campus. This committee works tirelessly to ensure that cyclist issues are addressed and that all new projects, programs, and enforcements or regulations take the cycling population into account. The committee is a diverse group made up of community members, police and parking services, city transportation and CSU facilities personnel and students. CBAC has members who represent important constituencies who are vital for promoting cycling and a bicycle-friendly campus. Additionally, the Fort Collins community supports and encourages cycling and has received the LAB “Gold” level community award. This environment allows CSU to enlist support from the city and to promote cycling on campus. Fort Collins actively works with CSU on cyclist education programs, commuter promotion programs, development and maintenance of bicycle-friendly infrastructure. This synergistic collaboration creates a bicycle-friendly atmosphere for students on campus and throughout the Fort Collins community.

Most Compelling Recent Bike Related Accomplishment:
The University has invested approximately $100,000 in the installation of new bicycle racks throughout campus. CSU Parking Services and the CSU Police Department have collaborated along with construction of new buildings to implement many new bike parking areas. In a partnership with the city of Fort Collins, the university also constructed a new portion of bike trail, which connects the South and Main Campuses while also extending the city bike trail network.

Most Compelling Fact:The University estimates that there are 15,000 bicycles on campus every day.