The League of American Bicyclists has renewed American University’s status as a bronze-level designee of its Bicycle Friendly University award for making biking a core part of campus life. The designation and award celebrate AU and 44 other colleges and universities that are rising to the challenge of taking feedback from the League of American Bicyclists, investing in infrastructure, and building partnerships that help make biking safer, easier, and more accessible for everyone.

“AU promotes biking for a variety of reasons. Practically speaking, the use of bikes to get to and from campus reduces vehicle traffic and avoids the cost of parking on campus lots. Biking also has inherent health and wellness benefits. What’s more, it also supports our climate and carbon reduction goals,” said Josh Finver, Asst Director, Transportation Demand Management.

To be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University, AU provided details on bike-related policies, programs, educational initiatives, and infrastructure—including new showers that have been installed in the Mary Graydon Student Center for bicyclists’ use. Application reviewers assessed the submission, along with local insights shared via campus surveys, to determine the award level. AU also received a comprehensive feedback report highlighting strengths, areas for improvement, and actionable strategies, all of which the university plans to address by the time it applies for an award renewal in 2030.

“What stands out about this round of Bicycle Friendly University awards is (AU's) commitment to listening, learning, and improving,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “That spirit of progress is helping shape today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders, equipping them to carry on the work of building a more bicycle-friendly America.”

AU has been recognized as a “bike-friendly university” by the League of American Bicyclist since 2017.

The League of American Bicyclists is a grassroots movement to create safer roads, stronger communities, and a bicycle-friendly America. Through education and advocacy, they work to promote the joys, benefits, and opportunities of bicycling.