University of Oregon continues to advance its commitment to bicycling as a means of transportation. A recent evaluation conducted by The League of American Bicyclists ranked UO as “silver” for bike-friendliness.

A survey last year indicated that bicycling is the top commute choice for UO students, faculty and staff. About 62 percent of students and 72 percent of faculty and staff own bikes. The university encourages the use of alternative transportation by offering more than 6,600 bike parking stations compared to only 3,700 car parking spaces.

“These numbers are indicative of our investment and reflect a national trend of the younger generations (16-34) driving less and choosing to live in places where they can easily walk, bike and take transit,” UO Bike Program Coordinator Briana Orr said in an interview last year. “By continuing to invest in walking, bicycling and transit, UO will maintain our national reputation as a vibrant, livable campus.”

The league’s Bicycle Friendly America program assesses all 50 US states each year through a voluntary application process. All communities, businesses and universities receive feedback and assistance to further improve transportation habits. Portland State University earned a “gold” rank and Oregon State University received “silver.”

- by Sarah MacKenzie, UO Office of Strategic Communications intern