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 October 20, 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 PDT October 20, 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 October 20, 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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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
UPDATED: October 20, 2020
Submit the Bicycle Friendly University application by 11:59pm PT on October 20, 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_2020_ALL.pdf
BFA Awards Database
Find the bicycle friendly communities, businesses and universities in your state through our interactive map. GO »
Link:
/bfa/awards#