A bicycle owner bikes via the sunshine rain outdoors Babcock Corridor. Photograph by Colton Mansavage

The College of Wisconsin–Madison has been recertified as certainly one of solely 9 platinum-level Bicycle Pleasant Universities within the nation by the League of American Bicyclists. Based in 1880, the league is the oldest bicycle advocacy group within the nation.

In 2023, the Bicycle Pleasant College (BFU) program consists of 220 schools and universities. The BFU program is a part of the league’s Bicycle Pleasant America program, which additionally acknowledges communities and companies which make biking extra accessible via coverage, training, and engineering enhancements.  

Based on the league, licensed establishments deal with well being and environmental challenges by creating welcoming, inclusive environments for individuals who bike.

“We’re very proud that UW–Madison has maintained its platinum stage,” says Patrick Kass, Assistant Vice Chancellor of UW Transportation Companies. “We’re particularly desirous to proceed our help for applications that make biking much more accessible, reminiscent of BCycle stations on campus and Visitors 101 programs.”

Designations are given in bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Platinum stage, based on the league, is at the moment the very best stage given for throughout the board excellence. Platinum-certified colleges have robust institutional-level biking applications, energetic campus and native advocacy teams, and pupil golf equipment supporting biking.

“This certification exemplifies our dedication to offering excellence in amenities and providers for our college group,” mentioned Cindy Torstveit, Affiliate Vice Chancellor Amenities Planning & Administration at UW–Madison. “Having a robust biking infrastructure with strong sources has so many advantages for the college and our bigger Madison group. It reduces visitors congestion, fosters a more healthy and extra linked campus group, and reduces the pressure on parking house demand. I’m so happy with our crew’s efforts to proceed increasing and enhancing this program.”

The Bicycle Pleasant College program began in 2011. UW–Madison was acknowledged on the silver stage in 2011, gold in 2015, and platinum in 2019. The upgrades got here because the college improved accessibility in its bike networks and reached extra college students and workers with bicycle teaching programs.

“It’s inspiring to see so many universities committing to the imaginative and prescient of a Bicycle Pleasant America,” mentioned Invoice Nesper, government director of the league. “These establishments, together with UW–Madison, are main by instance and serving to to set the usual for higher bicycling.”

The UW’s platinum re-certification was supported by program choices and deliberate enhancements in these areas, together with enhancements made.

Fairness, and Accessibility; Encouragement: Partnering with Madison BCycle and different campus teams to put in eight extra BCycle stations; partnering with No Limits Children Health on a biking day for youths with disabilities to strive tailored bikes.

Engineering: Including 3,000 bike parking areas, bringing the whole variety of bike parking areas to 16,450 (outnumbering automobile parking areas by greater than 3,000); growing an annual pavement marking plan to verify bicycle and pedestrian markings are clearly outlined; retrofitting current buildings with indoor bike parking.

Training: Making our bicycle educator a everlasting, part-time workers member; providing League Biking Teacher and Visitors 101 programs; educating common programs on the College Bicycle Useful resource Middle.

Analysis and Planning: Finishing a research to increase Campus Drive Bike Path to Babcock Corridor; getting ready for a large-scale research of provide and demand of motorbike parking in spring 2024; designing two new buildings on campus with indoor bike parking.

Madison is persistently ranked as a prime U.S. metropolis for bicycling and has platinum-level Bicycle Pleasant Neighborhood distinction.

As UW–Madison continues to enhance its campus accessibility by bike, it should have entry to quite a lot of free instruments, a library of sources, and technical help from the league to change into much more welcoming to individuals who bike.

To be taught extra concerning the free Bicycle Pleasant College program, go to the League of American Bicyclists web site.

To be taught extra about bicycling at UW–Madison, go to the Transportation Companies web site.