Every four years, the league of American Bicyclists announces the Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) Awards, which not only celebrate bike-friendly campuses but also enhance their existing programs.
Georgia Tech has been awarded Gold level Bicycle Friendly University status for another four years by the League of American Bicyclists. This prestigious distinction is awarded to institutions that successfully focus on promoting and establishing safe and accessible bicycling programs and amenities on campus. Institutions across the country are invited to apply for or renew their designation every four years.
Georgia Tech was first awarded Gold status in 2016 as part of an elite group and has been renewed at that (second highest) level for two cycles. "We're happy to again be recognized as a Gold-level bike-friendly university, the only one in Georgia," said Lisa Safstrom, campus transportation planner. "The Institute's progress in providing high-quality bike and micromobility infrastructure and programs to encourage and support safe riding has earned us this designation, and we look forward to making continuous improvements and achieving platinum status in the next cycle, when projects that are currently under construction and our planned amenities have been implemented."
Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) collaborates with Planning, Design, and Construction (both units within Infrastructure and Sustainability) to support biking to and on campus safely. PTS partners with Propel ATL (the Atlanta region's bike and micromobility advocacy organization) to provide monthly in-person bike classes/rides led by certified League of American Bicyclist instructors. This started in the summer of 2022 and the program is constantly being refined to best serve the campus community. The department also offers a free online bike/scooter safety class (12-minute YouTube video); those who complete the course and a follow-up quiz can receive a free helmet. PTS also coordinates with the Georgia Tech Police Department, other departments throughout campus, and Institute Communications to help get the word out about riding safely.
Learn more about bicycling on campus at pts.gatech.edu/bicycling.