Bicycle Friendly University

University of Vermont, Burlington | Bronze Level

University Highlights: The University of Vermont, Burlington (UVM) offers formal initiatives in support of bicycling, including coursework, conferences, and faculty research on bicycle issues from a scholarly perspective, as well as informal initiatives, ranging from bike maintenance clinics and fun rides to intersection actions at dangerous intersections. During past ten years, UVM have made connections to regional bicycle paths and created internal bicycle circulation routes and plans. Two years ago, responding to an increase in cycling on campus and changes in transportation services leadership, the University formed a bicycle advisory committee with broad campus participation. As a result bicycle-related issues are on the agenda of key campus stakeholders, including Transportation and Parking Services, Physical Plant, Campus Planning, Residential Life, Sustainability Office, and Student Government. Tangible accomplishments include more bike parking at appropriate locations across campus and participation in creating the bike share program. Although UVM long had a nationally-ranked cycling team, the formation of the student-run Bicycle Users Group two years ago has injected tremendous energy from the student side into bicycle advocacy and culture on campus: the several dozen students involved in BUG are the primary organizers and fundraisers of the new bike share program; they have organized a number of events and rides, including Dr. Your Bike activities; and they are central participants in the bicycle advisory committee.

Most Compelling Recent Bike Related Accomplishment:
In 2010, UVM expanded bike parking by adding several dozen new bike racks across campus to meet increased parking demand.

Most Compelling Fact:UVM conducts an annual survey of all students and staff that inquires about primary mode of transportation. In 2010, 3.9 percent of employees bicycled to work and 7.1 percent of off-campus students bicycled to school.