OSU named a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists

Friday, October 25, 2024

Media Contact: Katie Beitz | Sustainability Coordinator | 405-744-4728 | katie.beitz@okstate.edu

The League of American Bicyclists, the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike, awarded Oklahoma State University with a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University award in recognition of the institution’s achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus.

"When universities make biking easier, safer and more accessible, they’re not just helping students get from point A to point B —they’re leading the charge in creating a more sustainable future," said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. "By prioritizing better biking, Bicycle Friendly Universities like OSU are empowering students and staff to make choices that benefit their health, their environment, and their communities."

The Bicycle Friendly University program includes 209 colleges and universities in 44 states and the District of Columbia, and is part of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program, which also awards communities and businesses with certifications as part of its mission to make bicycling safe, comfortable and more accessible for all.

"I was shocked when I saw we hadn't submitted for a Bicycle Friendly University since 2012," OSU Sustainability Coordinator Katie Beitz said. "As I looked around I noticed we were doing a good job at keeping the campus open for bikes with extra amenities like OrangeRide, repair stations and community bike rides."

Local bike shops have community bike rides as well as larger events centered in Stillwater. OSU encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as bike rental through OrangeRide.

As OSU continues to improve its campus accessibility by bike, it will have access to a variety of free tools, a library of resources, and technical assistance from the league to become even more welcoming to people who bike. When colleges and universities invest in the comfort and safety of people bicycling, great things happen: decreased carbon footprint, reduced health care costs, connection to the community, and a fun and healthy campus culture.