CU Boulder earns platinum status for 'bicycle-friendly university'
Big news for Buffs who love to ride: CU Boulder has been awarded platinum status as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. This is the highest honor in the program and recognizes our campus as one of the best places in the country to bike.
The league’s latest round of awards celebrates universities that are stepping up: listening to feedback, investing in infrastructure and building partnerships to make biking safer, easier and more accessible for everyone. And that’s exactly what CU has been doing.
CU Boulder is now one of only 10 platinum-level schools in the entire country out of 204 participating universities. That makes this achievement truly exceptional and hard to earn.
By the numbers
- CU Boulder has more than 7,000 bike parking spaces across campus, making it easy for riders to find a spot and keep rolling.
- On a typical day, thousands of bikes travel through campus—so many that bikes outnumber cars in most areas of campus!
- Each year, the Environmental Center's Bicycle Program refurbishes around 100 abandoned or impounded bikes for re-use by students.
From miles of bike paths and secure parking to repair stations and education programs, CU Boulder has worked hard to make biking a core part of campus life. Efforts include:
- Better infrastructure: Dedicated bike lanes, covered and secured bike parking, improved traffic crossings and more bike racks
- Community support: Safety campaigns, events, trainings and partnerships with local organizations
- Convenience: Buff Bike programs, free Boulder BCycle use and on-campus bicycle maintenance stations
Why does this matter?
Biking helps reduce carbon emissions, promotes health and keeps our campus moving. Earning platinum status shows that CU Boulder is leading the way in sustainable transportation.
“This award reflects our campus commitment to sustainability and mobility,” said Brandon Smith, assistant director for sustainable transportation at CU Boulder. “Biking is not just a transportation option; it’s part of our culture and our vision for a greener future.”
Being recognized as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly University is a powerful example of how CU Boulder turns sustainability values into real-world action.
“Transportation is one of the biggest drivers of emissions, so shifting trips toward biking and transit is critical to meeting our climate goals and improving quality of life,” said Andrew Mayock, vice chancellor for sustainability at CU Boulder.
Want to learn more about the Bicycle Friendly University program? Check out the full list of awardees at bikeleague.org.