UW garners gold
Many Dawgs get to campus on two wheels
The University of Washington has once again been recognized as a Gold Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists, after first receiving the award in 2014.
“Congratulations to UW for its inclusion in a select class of 45 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Universities nationwide,” says League Executive Director Bill Nesper. “Universities and colleges are in a unique leadership position to help encourage and enable people of all ages to adopt healthy, sustainable habits that can benefit them throughout their lives.”
Many aspects of UW’s bicycle-related programming and infrastructure contributed to this achievement. The UW maintains nearly two miles of the Burke-Gilman Trail, a portion of which features an innovative design that separates bicycles and pedestrians. The campus is also home to over 10,000 bicycle parking spaces, 1,000 of which are secure lockers, houses or bike rooms. Additionally, the university is consistently one of the largest participants in regional biking events such as Bike Everywhere Month and Ride in the Rain.
“I have the joy of riding my bike from Pioneer Square to campus every day, year round," says Patrick Christie, a professor in the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs and Jackson School of International Studies. "It’s a great way to avoid driving, get exercise, and lower my carbon footprint. On campus, I especially appreciate the ample bike racks, Burke-Gilman Trail, and the convenient bike shop at the HUB. The bike shop mechanics are super friendly and skilled, too."
He adds, "It seems like a natural choice as a professor in the College of the Environment, eh? In fact, I hereby challenge all of my College of Environment colleagues to get out of their cars and onto their bikes — they won't regret it!"
Sharona Gordon, a professor of physiology and biophysics, says she's been biking to campus off and on for about 18 years.
"Between secure bike rooms, lockers, bike pump and tool stations across campus, and fun events during Bike Month and Ride in the Rain, the bike-friendly atmosphere at UW has encouraged my cycling over the years via bike, ebike, and, most recently, recumbent electric assist etrike," Gordon says.
A huge thanks to our Husky bikers that help us get continual recognition as a Bicycle Friendly University. We join a progressive group of 193 BFU colleges and universities in 46 states and the District of Columbia that are transforming the American landscape by providing more bicycle friendly campuses for the benefit of students, staff, and community members.
Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly University program at www.bikeleague.org/university.
