The League of American Bicyclists recently recognized UCCS with a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University award.
About 100 universities from 37 states and the District of Columbia were recognized for their roles in promoting bicycles as alternative transportation means. In Colorado, UCCS, the University of Northern Colorado and University of Denver received bronze awards. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, received a silver award. Colorado Springs received a silver award in the municipality category.
“Campus leaders are recognizing the real-time and long term impact that a culture of bicycling can create,” Andy Clarke, president, the League of American Bicyclists, said. “We applaud this new round of colleges and universities for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their staff, students and surrounding communities.”
UCCS offers a free bike share program for students, a full-service bicycle shop, bike racks, service stations, programs to encourage cycling such as Pedal Perks and cycling celebrations such as Bike Jam. The UCCS application for the award was submitted by Matthew Driftmier, transportation sustainability assistant, Department of Parking and Transportation Services.
“Education is hard. Getting to campus shouldn’t be,” Driftmier said.
The Bicycle Friendly Award will give UCCS access to ideas and tools from the Bicycle Assistance League, Jim Spice, executive director, Parking and Transportation Services, said. Those ideas can be used to continue efforts to decrease the university’s carbon footprint, improve health and create a positive campus culture.
Linda Kogan, director, Office of Sustainability said biking is both healthy and efficient.
“During our Beat the Hill Event, we found that the average time it takes to ride a bicycle up the hill to campus from North Nevada is 12 minutes,” Kogan said. “What a great alternative to driving or taking the shuttle.
For more information about the award, visit www.bikeleague.org/university
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