The University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus has once again been named one of the top places in the country to ride a bike, according to the League of American Bicyclists, a grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike.
The University of Minnesota has been recognized in this program since its inception in 2008 and is currently at the highest level, Platinum award status. This is on top of its platinum-level Bike-Friendly University award. Only one other university in the country has both. The other one is in California.
The U got these awards because of its extensive bike facilities for cyclists, its on-campus service center for repairing bikes, and making bikes available to students through its campus bike-share and bike-sale programs.
“Students on campus enjoy the wide variety of options for getting around,” said Parking & Transportation Services’ Director Ross Allanson. “We also know that their families appreciate not having to provide them with a car during the college years!”
Encouraging cycling also has a serious purpose. It’s part of the U’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2050. Cars generate a lot of carbon and encouraging students, staff and visitors to use bikes and transit is a big part of the U’s carbon reduction plan.