Auburn University recognized as first Bicycle Friendly University in Alabama
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The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Auburn University with a Silver Bicycle Friendly University award.
Auburn is the first university in Alabama to be named a Bicycle Friendly University, or BFU, and joins more than 100 colleges and universities across the United States who are transforming their campuses and the communities around them.
"In its fourth year, we've seen the Bicycle Friendly University program reach an exciting level of growth and momentum, as more and more campuses support bicycling in new and innovative ways," said Amelia Neptune, Bicycle Friendly University program manager for the League of American Bicyclists. "From bike storage inside dorm rooms to bicycle-powered music festivals, we applaud this round of BFUs for raising the standard of what a bicycle-friendly campus looks like."
Auburn encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as 12 miles of bike lanes/paths, more than 3,000 bike racks, access to bike maintenance tools and clinics, and guided bicycle trips, as well as incentives like free bicycle permits, commuter reward opportunities for cyclists and free bike raffles.
"Since the completion of the first Comprehensive Campus Master Plan in 2002, the Auburn University main campus has taken strides to make the campus facilities and infrastructure more bicycle friendly," said Campus Planner Ben Burmester.
As colleges and universities invest in bicycling, changes can occur, such as improvements in individual and community health, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, lower costs associated with parking and less traffic congestion. There are currently 127 BFUs in 42 states and Washington, D.C., and the number continues to grow each year.
"We are always looking for ways to improve the travel of bicycles on campus. We are starting a bike share program in the spring of 2016 and will have 75 bicycles at 10 hubs on campus for students, faculty and staff to use at little or no cost," said Don Andrae, manager of Parking Services.
Auburn will now have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League of American Bicyclists to become even more bicycle-friendly. Facilities Management, Campus Recreation, Parking Services and the Office of Sustainability will continue to collaborate by capitalizing on these resources and expanding community partnerships to further enhance cycling on Auburn's campus.
"We are honored to receive this recognition," said Jennifer Hazelrigs, assistant director of Campus Recreation. "We will continue to offer the highest quality programs on safe riding practices and bicycle maintenance, along with educational trips, to encourage and grow the cycling community."
For more information about the BFU program, go to http://www.bikeleague.org/university.
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Media interested in this story can contact Communications Director Preston Sparks at (334) 844-9999 or preston.sparks@auburn.edu.
Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.