Getting Started

Michigan State University, a Silver-level BFU
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 (.docx) and create an account at http://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 taskforce
- Gather required data, 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 bfa@bikeleague.org 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 of 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 PDT on August 25, 2020.
- 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 (.docx) in Word and create an account at http://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 taskforce
- Gather required data, 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 bfa@bikeleague.org 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 of 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 PSDT August 25, 2020.
- 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 pages to learn about any changes that might have been made to the program since your institution last applied
- Email bfa@bikeleague.org for copies of your previous application(s) and feedback report(s)
- Download and review the current BFU application (.docx) questions in Word and make sure you have an account to log in to the online application, at http://apply.bikeleague.org
- Reach out to other employees, student groups, and campus communities and create an application taskforce
- Gather required data, seek to form partnerships with community and other business leaders
- Check if anything listed in the application could be implemented before the application is submitted
- Encouarage the community leadership and neighboring businesses (if applicable) to apply to the Bicycle Friendly Community℠ and Bicycle Friendly Business℠ programs
- Contact bfa@bikeleague.org 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 PDT August 25, 2020
- 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
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Thanks to our partners at Ground Control for this Bicycle Friendly University video!
Quick Assessment
Answer our scorecard to see if you're ready to apply and learn what to do next. GO »
Link:
/bfa/quick-assessment/community
Next Deadline
August 25, 2020
Submit the Bicycle Friendly University application by 11:59pm PDT on August 25, 2020. GO »
Link:
http://bikeleague.org/content/process-criteria
Current BFU Awardees
Review the current list of Bicycle Friendly Universities across the country. GO »
Link:
/sites/default/files/BFU_Award_List_2019_ALL.pdf
BFA Awards Database
Find the bicycle friendly communities, businesses and universities in your state through our interactive map. GO »
Link:
/bfa/awards#