The League of American Bicyclists, the oldest and only grassroots advocacy organization for people who bike, has honored the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a gold-level Bicycle Friendly University award in recognition of the institution\u2019s achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations are in order for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on its inclusion in an elite class of 48 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Universities nationwide,\u201d said Bill Nesper, executive director of the league. \u201cBy meeting one of the four award levels, universities and colleges demonstrate a commitment to not only fostering academic achievements, but also to developing model environments where people can safely bike and contribute to healthier, more sustainable outcomes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Bicycle Friendly University program now includes 208 colleges and universities and is part of the League\u2019s Bicycle Friendly America program, which also awards communities and businesses as part of its mission to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo renew at a gold level this year meant not only maintaining the programs that brought UWM to gold, but also meant that we were expected to build on our success,\u201d said Kate Nelson, sustainability director at UWM. \u201cPrimarily, the focus has been on a collaboration with the City of Milwaukee to provide safe and healthy streets leading to our campus. UWM shared governance also just endorsed a bike hub study to plan for better routes and secure bike parking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Biking on campus brings together UWM\u2019s community of faculty, staff, students and leadership, Nelson said. UWM encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as discounted Bublr Bikes rental, free commuter showers and weekly summer rides.<\/p>\n