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Getting Started
Use the following suggested steps to make the most out of your participation in the Bicycle Friendly University℠ program. New and returning applicants can find detailed information on how to apply below.
- Take the BFU℠ Quick Assessment
- Review the FAQ page and its resources
- Download and review the BFU application preview (.pdf) and create an account at https://apply.bikeleague.org to access the online application
- Seek the approval of the college or university's leaders, including funding approval for the BFU Application Fee
- Create an application committee or task force, and add members as collaborators to your online application
- Gather required data, and seek to form partnerships with student groups, related campus departments, local officials, bike shops, and other stakeholders
- Check if anything listed in the application could be implemented before the application is submitted
- Encourage the community leadership and neighboring businesses (if applicable) to apply to the Bicycle Friendly Community℠ and Bicycle Friendly Business℠ programs
- Contact [email protected] if you need assistance in filling out the application or if you have questions
- Ask local bike advocacy partners to review the final application draft for completeness
- Get approval for the final application from the campus leadership
- Upload supplemental materials such as photos or videos before you submit the application
- Submit the application on or before the deadline of 11:59pm PT on August 7, 2025.
- If awarded, work with the institution to prepare a press release and organize an award ceremony to celebrate your achievement
- Share the feedback report with your campus and community partners, prioritize the recommendations, and start implementing
- Take the BFU Quick Assessment
- Review the FAQ page and its resources
- Download and review the BFU application preview (.pdf) and create an account at https://apply.bikeleague.org to access the online application
- Seek the approval of the college or university's leaders, including funding approval for the BFU Application Fee
- Create an application committee or task force, and add members as collaborators to your online application
- Gather required data, and seek to form partnerships with student groups, local officials, bike shops, and other businesses
- Check if anything listed in the application could be implemented before the application is submitted
- Encourage the community leadership and neighboring businesses (if applicable) to apply to the Bicycle Friendly Community℠ and Bicycle Friendly Business℠ programs
- Contact [email protected] if you need assistance in filling out the application or if you have questions
- Ask local bike advocacy partners to review the final application draft for completeness
- Get approval for the final application from the campus leadership
- Upload supplemental materials such as photos or videos before you submit the application
- Submit the application on or before the deadline of 11:59pm PT on August 7, 2025.
- If awarded, work with the institution to prepare a press release and organize an award ceremony to celebrate your achievement
- Share the feedback report with your campus and community partners, prioritize the recommendations, and start implementing
- Review the University and FAQ page to learn about any changes that might have been made to the program since your institution last applied
- **If you last applied in 2016 or later, please find detailed instructions to duplicate your previous submission in the current online form, here: **
- If your last application was submitted in 2015 or earlier, email [email protected] for copies of your previous application(s) and feedback report(s)
- Download and review the current BFU application preview (.pdf) questions and make sure you have an account to log in to the online application, at https://apply.bikeleague.org
- Create an application committee or task force, and add members as collaborators to your online application
- Gather required data, and seek to form partnerships with the community and other business leaders
- Check if anything listed in the application could be implemented before the application is submitted
- Encourage the community leadership and neighboring businesses (if applicable) to apply to the Bicycle Friendly Community℠ and Bicycle Friendly Business℠ programs
- Contact [email protected] if you need assistance in filling out the application or if you have questions
- Ask local advocacy partners to review the final application draft for completeness
- Upload supplemental materials such as photos or videos before you submit the application
- Submit the application on or before the deadline of 11:59pm PT on August 7, 2025.
- If awarded, work with the local government to prepare a press release and organize an award ceremony to celebrate your achievement
- Share the feedback report with your campus leadership and community partners