Florida Tech Earns ‘Bicycle Friendly University’ Designation

University One of Just Seven Certified Schools in Florida

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech has been certified as a Bicycle Friendly University, becoming one of just seven universities in Florida boasting the recognition that denotes institutions with well-connected infrastructure, bike maintenance and storage options, theft prevention programs and other pro-bike attributes.

Florida Tech was one of 48 universities nationwide to earn the designation this year from the League of American Bicyclists, a Washington, D.C.-based group that has certified more than 475 communities and 1,400 businesses around the country over the years.

Florida Tech joins Florida State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, University of South Florida – St. Petersburg, University of Central Florida and University of Miami as Bicycle Friendly Universities in the Sunshine State.

With the 2019 cohort, there are now 208 schools around the country with the designation.

“We are committed to the relentless pursuit of sustainable alternatives to the complex problems presented in the everyday operation of our institution, and this designation validates the efforts to invest in the lives of our students, staff and faculty,” said University Sustainability Officer Quinn Duffy, who oversaw the application process. “We feel that being recognized for the efforts made to increase the infrastructure for alternative transportation, and specifically bicycles, is critical to the core mission of the university. We are very proud of the work being done by Florida Tech to create a friendlier environment for our community.”

Duffy estimates that the Florida Tech campus is home to anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 bikes, and it can accommodate up to 1,800 based on current storage locations. The campus has about 4 ½ miles of paths for bicyclists and pedestrians and boasts public-use pump and tool stations, emergency call boxes, and a bike rental program through the Student Government Association.

After a process that included a review by League staff, local cyclists and outside experts, Florida Tech earned the bronze-level Bike Friendly University designation. It will be active for four years, after which the university may reapply.

“Campuses are incubators of the next generation,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “To build safer streets, to encourage healthier communities, to empower more people to bike – colleges and universities can cultivate wider culture change by making biking a preferred option for people to get around campus.”

More information is available at https://bikeleague.org/university.

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