First Ever Bicycle Friendly Universities Announced – and 2011 BFBs too

The first‐ever Bicycle Friendly University designations were announced today at the National Bike Summit. Among the 32 universities that applied, 20 are receiving designations, with Stanford University earning the only platinum‐level award. The program recognizes colleges and universities that create exceptional environments where bicycling can thrive and provides a roadmap and technical assistance to create great campuses for bicycling.

“Universities have long served as incubators for developing bike‐friendly cultures and practices, and that has a big impact on the expectations that students bring to the workplace and beyond,” said Bill Nesper, director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America Program. “With the launch of the Bicycle Friendly Universities program, we’re able to highlight the crucial role that academic institutions play in shaping a more bike‐friendly future.”

2011 Bicycle Friendly University Winners

Also, 55 new Bicycle Friendly Businesses from restaurants to law firms will be receiving awards at this year’s summit. USAA, which is receiving the silver‐level designation, has experienced how bicycling can transform a workplace and surrounding community.

“USAA promotes safe cycling as an element of our overall sustainability and wellness strategies. The remarkable results we have seen in positive environmental impacts generated by our employees are mirrored by the positive wellness gains made.” – from their 2011 application.

To find out more about the winners and the programs, read the press release here.