The University of New Mexico was recognized recently with a Bronze level Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) award from the League of American Bicyclists, joining 100 other visionary colleges and universities across the county.
UNM joins a cutting edge group of colleges and universities committed to transforming their campuses and the communities. There are currently 37 BFUs in the U.S.
“Campus leaders are recognizing the real-time and long-term impacts that a culture of bicycling can create,” said Andy Clarke, president, League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this new round of colleges and universities for investing a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their staff, students, and surrounding communities.”
UNM encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such bike storage lockers and bike repair shop on campus. The lockers are convenient and much cheaper than the cost of a UNM parking space.
“Recognition by the League of American Bicyclists is important because it can help inform potential students, faculty and staff of the multiple modes of transportation available to them,” said Alex Andrews, one of the UNM program’s initiators. “Cycling to campus is just one way to enhance their lifestyle while at UNM.”
Moving forward, UNM will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. When colleges and universities invest in bicycling, great things happen including a decreased carbon footprint, reduced healthcare costs, community connectedness and a fun and healthy campus culture.
To apply or learn more about the free BFU program, visit the League of American Bicyclists.