Stanford University recognized as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly University

Stanford, Calif., Nov. 11, 2015 ― The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) recognized Stanford University with a second Platinum Bicycle Friendly University (BFU^SM) award. Stanford is the only university to receive a renewal of its Platinum designation and was the first university to be recognized at the highest level when the program launched in 2011. This year’s award extends Stanford’s original Platinum designation (2011–2015) for another four years (2015–2019).

With the announcement of 49 new and renewing BFUs from 31 states, Stanford University is at the forefront of colleges and universities that are transforming their campuses with enhanced bicycle programs. There are now 127 BFUs in 42 states and Washington, D.C.

Brian Shaw, director, Parking & Transportation Services (P&TS), attributes Stanford’s platinum honor to the hard work and successful collaboration between P&TS and numerous campus groups, including the Department of Public Safety, Campus Planning, partners at the medical center and departments and academic leadership throughout the university.

“Recognition from the League of American Bicyclists plays an important role in fostering improvements in bicycle programs across the nation and encouraging the sharing of best practices,” Shaw said. “After becoming the first university to be honored with a Platinum award in 2011, we continue to enhance our bicycle program to make our campus community a better place to live and bike.”

Enhancements to Stanford’s bicycle program and infrastructure over the past four years, which were among the elements recognized with the Platinum award, include the following:

• Installed three new roundabouts
• Increased bike parking capacity to over 19,000 spaces
• Expanded department bike fleets to 21 programs
• Achieved a 39 percent increase in Bike to Work Day participation
• Installed two new contra‐flow bike lanes

In addition, the university constructed the Stanford Perimeter Trail, a 3.4 mile multi‐use trail, which includes the first green bike lanes on campus and expanded bike parking serving the broader community.  For more examples and details, visit Stanford’s Platinum Bicycle Friendly University web page.

Ariadne Delon Scott, bicycle program coordinator, notes that Stanford sees more than 13,000 cyclists on campus daily. She and her campus partners are committed to meeting the needs of these riders and offering bike education to increase safety and respect among all road users. By ensuring smooth and safe circulation, providing bike infrastructure and resources and conducting bike safety outreach, Scott says the efforts are paying off.

“We know that when colleges and universities invest in bicycling, great things happen: we decrease our carbon footprint, improve health, increase connection to community, and promote a fun, healthy and safe campus culture,” Scott said. “We look forward to sharing our Platinum best practices with others and learning from others as well. There always is more we can do and learn to improve biking for our community and riders. The League of American Bicyclists deserves credit and our gratitude for helping to make this happen.”

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