UB improves bicycle-friendly status

The League of American Bicyclists, the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike, has honored UB with a silver-level Bicycle Friendly University Award in recognition of the institution’s achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus. UB has received the bronze-level award for the past 12 years.

“This important achievement signifies the collective effort UB has put forward to improve campus access and mobility, promote a sense of community among cyclists and create a campus environment that is safe and convenient for bicyclists to traverse,” says Christopher Austin, director, Parking and Transportation Services. “We are extremely proud of reaching the silver-level Bicycle Friendly University status and will continue to push for improvements to mobility options that promote sustainable transportation and active mobility.”

The university’s boost in recognition comes from recent efforts to improve campus mobility, including:

• Hiring additional staff members to manage university mobility.
• Expanding UB’s Reddy Bikeshare Network from 50 to 75 bicycles.
• Increasing awareness of the bikeshare network, resulting in a steady increase in bike usage.
• Installing pedestrian beacons at busy intersections.
• Prioritizing micro-mobility and bicycling into all future building expansions.

These improvements expand Parking and Transportation’s existing infrastructure of bicycle support and resources, including free bike registration, winter storage and bike racks on UB Stampede buses. The university also provides access to bicycle repair kits and stands throughout campus, and welcomes expert mechanics once a semester to assist the community with free routine bicycle maintenance.

“This recognition reinforces the great work Parking and Transportation has been implementing, as well as our broader campus community,” notes Ryan McPherson, chief sustainability officer. “It also strongly reinforces the important role active mobility plays in creating Zero Carbon Mobility pathways and advancing UB’s Climate Action Plan — all while increasing wellness and decreasing health care costs.”

The Bicycle Friendly University program now includes 209 colleges and universities in 44 states and the District of Columbia, and is part of the league’s Bicycle Friendly America program, which also awards communities and businesses with certifications as part of its mission to make bicycling safe, comfortable and more accessible for all.  

As UB continues to improve its campus accessibility by bike, it will have access to a variety of free tools, a library of resources and technical assistance from the league to become even more welcoming to people who bike.