Alverno College Named a Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists

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

“It is inspiring to see so many universities committing to the vision of a Bicycle Friendly America,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “These institutions are leading by example and helping to set the standard for better bicycling. Each Bicycle Friendly University acts as a trailblazer to develop and promote safer, more accessible transportation infrastructure and supportive programming for new bicyclists in their communities.”

The Bicycle Friendly University program now includes 220 colleges and universities in 46 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.

“We are thrilled to receive the bronze designation this year, the first time the college applied for Bicycle Friendly University status,” said Ben Teel, who is part of the Alverno Commits to Sustainability (ACTS) subcommittee on sustainable and equitable transportation. “The college recently received a donation of 10 low-maintenance bicycles that students are already using around campus and the neighborhood, and staff and faculty have found fellowship in bike commuting together. We’re excited to expand upon these opportunities for members of our community so they choose cycling more often.” Teel sits on the City of Milwaukee Pedestrian and Bicyclist Advisory Committee along with Kathleen Minik, also on the ACTS subcommittee on sustainable and equitable transportation. They, along with Associate Professor Joyce Tang Boyland, have worked to organize group rides, add bike parking on campus, and apply for the Bicycle Friendly University designation.

Alverno College encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as covered bike parking, locker rooms, showers, and easy access to the Oak Leaf Trail network and the Powerline Trail, which will extend within blocks of Alverno's Milwaukee campus in 2024-25.

As Alverno 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: a decreased carbon footprint, reduced healthcare costs, a more closely connected community and a fun and healthy campus culture.

To apply or learn more about the free BFU program, visit the League online at bikeleague.org/university.

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program

To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, including the Bicycle Friendly Community® (BFC), Bicycle Friendly State® (BFS), Bicycle Friendly Business® (BFB), and Bicycle Friendly University® (BFU) programs, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA.

Since 1880, the League of American Bicyclists has been people-powered, with a goal to make bicycling safer and easier as a means of transportation and recreation. Today, the League continues to improve lives and strengthen communities through bicycling. We are more than 200,000 members and supporters strong with more than 1,000 state and local advocacy groups and bike clubs as well as thousands of businesses, universities, and communities together leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. Learn more at www.bikeleague.org.