Texas A&M Recognized Nationally As A “Bicycle Friendly University”

Texas A&M University has been designated a “Bicycle Friendly University” by the League of American Bicyclists, an honor based on initiatives by Transportation Services and other parts of the institution in serving the needs of the cycling community while also reducing the campus’ carbon footprint, officials note.

“This recent recognition is yet another example of how our Department of Transportation Services works to allow our campus community to travel safely and efficiently across our campus,” said Vice President of Finance and Administration Jerry Strawser. “In addition to reducing our traffic and carbon footprint, our investment in cycling infrastructure provides an opportunity for physical activity that is beneficial for our campus’ well-being.”

In addition to working to make thousands of bicyclists safer as they move through traffic on campus, Texas A&M’s Transportation Services’ Alternative Transportation Unit provides all registered students, faculty and staff with cost-effective and sustainable transportation options on campus.

Alternative Transportation Unit Manager Ron Steedly cited the various programs offered by his unit.

These options include the highly successful “Bike Lease” and “Borrow a Bike” programs. “Bike Lease” allows registered users to lease a bike shop quality bike for the semester, with the option to renew the bike at the end of the lease. “Borrow a Bike” is a free bike share program for interested cyclists that need bikes for a short period of time.

“We work hard as a university to support the cycling community by offering riders additional amenities, such as improved and new bike lanes and routes, bike fix-it-stations, bicycle registration, bicycle parking, and by offering free workshops on bicycle maintenance and safety skills through the ‘Hub,’ the on-campus do-it-yourself repair facility operated by Texas A&M Rec Sports,” Steedly added.

“By utilizing the ‘Hub’ cyclists can take advantage of repair tools, basic supplies and parts needed to keep their bicycles in tip top shape.”

The League of American Bicyclists, which presented its Bronze Award to Texas A&M, is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, league officials say their commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.

“We are honored to have received this prestigious designation, and are pleased that our efforts to create and maintain a vibrant and supporting biking community on campus is being recognized nationally,” said Executive Director Peter Lange, Transportation Services.

“This recognition would not be possible without the dedication, commitment and most importantly, resources provided by the Division of Student Affairs, Office of Sustainability, University Police Department, the City of College Station and the City of Bryan. Our partners are just as committed to making these types of advancements on campus and working together is what made this designation possible.”

Moving forward, Transportation Services officials say Texas A&M will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the league to become even more bicycle-friendly.

University officials note that creating a bike-friendly campus helps to reduce car parking demand and has the potential to contribute to the improved overall health of the university community. A bike-friendly campus also promotes an alternative method of transportation to and around campus.

To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA.