Penn State University Park was recognized a bronze level “Bicycle Friendly University” by the League of American Bicyclists.

The distinction honors the university’s commitment to bicycling and initiatives that promote a safe and convenient biking environment on campus.

Receiving the designation involved an extensive evaluation process. It included reviewing an application, studying the biking infrastructure of campus and consulting with local cyclists. The program, which is in its 10th year, also collects data on activities within five areas: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation.

"Our goal is to provide viable alternative transportation options for students, faculty, staff and visitors," said Transportation Services Director Teresa Davis. "The Bicycle Friendly Recognition not only recognizes our efforts to date, but also provides recommendations to assist us in planning our next steps."

The bronze level is valid for four years. Penn State will not only continue its bicycle-friendly initiatives during that time but also expand them in order to achieve a higher level in 2016.

The Bicycle Friendly University status is a result of Penn State’s Bicycle Master Plan, an initiative that Transportation Services implemented four years ago. The plan included widening streets, expanding bike access on campus and offering bicycle registration online. Adding climbing lanes and building covered bike parking were also a part of the plan.