ASU earns gold ranking for being bike friendly

The League of American Bicyclists recently recognized Arizona State University as a gold-level Bicycle Friendly University.

The league recognizes higher-learning institutions that foster sustainable, productive and efficient cycling environments.

As a first-time applicant, ASU joins 100 colleges and universities across the country as a Bicycle Friendly University. In the Pac-12, ASU’s gold ranking surpasses eight other universities that also have been certified.

“We are honored to receive this award from the League of American Bicyclists and to see ASU’s efforts recognized,” said JC Porter, assistant director of commuter services for ASU Parking & Transit Services. “In the past year, we have transformed the bicycling culture at ASU and reinforced our commitment to meeting the transportation needs of all students, staff and faculty who bike to and from campus.”

The League of American Bicyclists is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of cycling through advocacy and education. The league evaluates applicants based on their support of bicycling initiatives and access to convenient riding and parking areas. The organization issues four Bicycle Friendly designations – bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Certifications are valid for four-year terms and are subject to renewal for the same or higher ranking.

For Donna Lewandowski, ASU’s bicycle program manager, the award underscores the university’s sustainability efforts and highlights the overall cycling impact.

“Cycling on campus benefits the entire campus community by reducing traffic congestion, minimizing the use of valuable campus space for parking and providing cleaner air for all,” Lewandowski said.

She added ASU already possessed the framework for a robust bicycling program. However, she also noted the university’s certification prospects were bolstered by recent upgrades to the bicycle registration system and two League Certified Instructor seminars this past year.

Since August 2013, ASU has welcomed a variety of new parking options for cyclists, including a free bike valet service, two card-access parking facilities and new space-saving storage racks.

In the coming weeks, ASU also will receive a special street sign that highlights the university’s gold certification.

Learn more about biking at ASU.