Bicycle Friendly University

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign| Bronze Level

University Highlights: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has a tradition of bicycling on campus. The University was among the first major U.S. universities to develop a bicycle network on its campus in the 1930s. Significant improvements in the 1950s and major additions in the 1970s have resulted in its current extensive network. Nowadays, the University is actively making efforts to modernize its bicycle facilities, including the expansion of the on-street bicycling infrastructure and improvement of bicycle parking. Adoption of LEED Gold standards for new construction resulted in more end of trip shower facilities in buildings. Over the last several years, the University has been engaged in actively encouraging bicycling to, from and on campus and in providing information and education to improve bicycling safety. Efforts include Public Safety Day, Light the Night, Bike to Work Day. The University also cooperates with Champaign County Bikes on a Share the Road campaign. In addition, the University of Illinois is a signatory of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment and includes bicycling as an essential component of its climate action plan to reduce transportation-generated greenhouse gas emissions. Funds collected from the student Sustainable Campus Environment Fee have been used to support campus bike parking (Fall 2008), bicycling infrastructure (Spring 2010), the Campus Bike Project, and the Bike Sharing Feasibility Study (Spring 2011).

Most Compelling Recent Bike Related Accomplishment:
The University’s most significant investments in FY11 included the establishment of the Campus Bike Project shop for bicycle education and repair assistance on the University campus, the new soft surface bicycle trail at Hazelwood Drive and the launching of a bicycle safety information campaign.

Most Compelling Fact: Recently, the University implemented a multi-million-dollar Complete Street enhancement project on Goodwin Avenue, in partnership with the City of Urbana. This project received an Exemplary Human Environment Initiatives Award from the Federal Highway Administration, and it was selected as 2010 Public Works Project of the Year by the Illinois Chapter of the American Public Works Association.