Yale named a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists

November 8, 2017

Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Yale University with a Gold Bicycle Friendly UniversitySM (BFUSM) award, joining more than 180 visionary colleges and universities from across the country. Yale has been a Bike Friendly University since 2012 when the University achieved Bronze-level status, then getting to Silver in 2014. Yale is one of only 20 universities in the country with the Gold-level designation. Yale is also the only Bicycle Friendly University in Connecticut. 

With the announcement of 46 new and renewing BFUs today, Yale joins a cutting-edge group of colleges and universities across the United States that are transforming their campuses and the communities around them. There are now 182 Bicycle Friendly Universities in 45 states and Washington, D.C. 

“From renewing Platinums to brand new Bronzes, this latest class of Bicycle Friendly University awardees show a wonderful commitment to safety, health, and sustainability through their efforts to support bicycling on campus,” said Amelia Neptune, Director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America Program. “We applaud this round of BFUs for raising the standard and being innovative in making bicycling a safe, convenient and enjoyable option for students, staff and visitors alike.”

“In its sixth year, we’ve seen the Bicycle Friendly University program’s momentum continue to grow and reach even more campuses across the country,” said Amelia Neptune, Director of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America Program. “We applaud this round of BFUs for raising the standard and being innovative in making bicycling a safe, convenient and enjoyable option for students, staff and visitors alike.”

The Bicycle Friendly University program recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bikeable campus for students, staff and visitors. There are over 2,700 bicycle parking spaces on and around campus, including outdoor and indoor racks and lockers. Students, faculty, and staff who bike to campus also have access to several shower facilities. A Bicycle Safety Training course is offered regularly to the Yale community and participants are provided with a free bike helmet. Yale also partners with CTrides, a program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, to offer a guaranteed ride home and commuter rewards to cyclists. In addition to these existing facilities and programs, the University is planning for several new bike-related enhancements for campus. A new bikeshare program will launch this fall. A Sustainable Transportation Framework Study, also to be completed later this fall, will present implementable near- and long-term strategies that encourage bicycling, walking, and transit use to connect Yale’s commuting population to its campuses and to better connect the campuses to each other.

Moving forward, Yale will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. The Yale Sustainability Plan 2025 sets goals to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, increase sustainable transportation on and off campus, and enhance partnerships with the City of New Haven towards a more sustainable campus and city. The University’s leap from Silver to Gold-level Bicycle Friendly University is an acknowledgment of these efforts and many new, exciting initiatives to come.

To apply or learn more about the free BFU program, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/university.

The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change. Learn more at bikeleague.org