Bicycle Friendly University

Steps towards creating a Bicycle Friendly College or University

1. Download the Bicycle Friendly University application to get a sense of the components that comprise a bicycle friendly college or university. This will serve as a guide for possible changes and improvements in the way of bicycle transportation while also creating a framework for discussion and action. Use this quick scorecard to see if your school is bicycle-friendly. Also take a look at our Bicycle Friendly America brochure. You can order free copies of the print version by sending an email to bfa@bikeleague.org.

2. Explore what your college/ university is already doing to accommodate and promote bicycling on campus and in the broader community. Talk to individuals in various bicycling groups and of various positions at the university. There are many players that will want to be involved in these changes and who have innovative ideas to contribute. Those involved in this process may include a bicycle coordinator, facilities coordinator, environmental department, transportation manager, student government, faculty and members of the student body. Meet with the established bicycling community, such as a cycling club or sustainability club. These groups may have existing resources and needs which will serve as the foundation for new programs. By completing this quick scorecard, you can gauge how bicycle friendly your college or university and determine whether you have the foundation to be a BFU.

3. Establish an approach to making your college or university more bicycle friendly. There is no exact formula or standard for this process. Each college or university must take a place based approach to incorporating bicycles into their campus based on the student body, type of college/university and geographical context. With this need for specificity and context, comes the privilege of familiarizing yourself with the people and places that will determine the path to a bicycle-friendly future. Examine where the need for improvements in bicycle infrastructure and programs lies on your campus and the priority challenges to address. What investments would be most beneficial to the students and faculty? Be sure to optimize the resources that you have determined!

4. Gather support from faculty, staff and students. Stress the benefits of increased bicycle friendliness – decreased traffic, better student life, improved health for students, faculty and staff, lower costs for parking and maintenance, cleaner air, more green space, etc. Speak with student groups around campus that are involved in cycling, sustainability or transportation issues. The more people that are involved and committed to the issue, the greater the opportunities that will arise for progress in bike-friendliness.

5. Be proactive in advocating for and implementing advances in bicycle friendliness. Whether it is starting a bike share program, organizing group rides, or pushing for better bicycle infrastructure, the seed must first be planted. Implementing these changes will require a large push on behalf of many advocates. Statistical trends in bicycling demonstrate that there is truth to the adage “If you build it they will come.” Be sure to follow through and follow up on all initiatives to demonstrate commitment to the movement and ensure success.