Bicycle Friendly University

Georgia Institute of Technology | Silver Level

Highlights: While many campuses have pursued bike share programs, very few of these programs are innovative start-ups founded and operated by graduates of the university. ViaCycle showcases the do-it-yourself attitude that makes Georgia Tech different from other universities, as well as a creative and less expensive alternative to the current dominant bike share companies (Bixi and Alta, most notably). While this is a new program, viaCycle has already garnered a lot of attention and well exceeded their ability to meet demand.

Most Significant Recent Accomplishment: In 2011, Student Government funded $26,156 worth of new racks and bike lanes, which inspired the President's office to give another $40,000 to mark all low-speed and narrow width roadways on campus with sharrows.

Most Compelling Fact: Georgia Tech engaged in a comprehensive campaign to transition all students away from cable locks and toward U-Locks (including discounts on u-locks through the bookstore, signs posted at bike racks, ads on buses and trolleys, lock giveaways, etc). This effort resulted in dramatic (-60%) change in bike theft from 2010 to 2011. In a recent count, a total of 84% of bikes were locked with a U-lock.