The League of American Bicyclists has awarded Sacramento State – where as any as 2,000 bike-commuters ride to campus each weekday – a Silver ranking in its first appearance on the list naming it a Bicycle Friendly University (BFU).

Sac State is one of 46 new and renewed BFUs for 2017. The League recognized a total of 182 colleges and universities for transforming their campuses and local communities.

Sacramento State received one of 54 Silvers. The League also awarded five Platinums, 20 Golds, and 103 Bronzes. The rankings will stand for four years.

“Sac State is located along the American River Bike Trail, one of the Top 10 bicycle and recreation trails in the nation, and we encourage our campus community to take advantage of its beauty and utility,” says Tony Lucas, senior director for UTAPS (University Transportation & Parking Services.) “Biking to campus is sustainable, affordable, and it’s good for your health.”

The Silver was based on Sacramento State’s bicycle infrastructure. This is how the University puts out the welcome mat for cyclists:

  • High-visibility bike pathways make it safer for cyclists and drivers to coexist on campus and connect to the City of Sacramento’s bike pathways on Elvas Avenue and Carlson Drive/J Street.
  • The city’s ­2017 Carlson Drive improvement project added safety features for cyclists: bike boxes and two-stage left turns.
  • Three well-lit and monitored bike/board compounds – near the Guy West Bridge, at Moraga Way/Sinclair Road, and near Benicia Hall – provide free parking for 750 bicycles.
  • Community service officers (CSOs) usually are on duty throughout the academic year 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday.
  • CSOs offer free bike registration and the use of loaner bike pumps and tool kits.

Cyclists also can use unmonitored bike racks and lockers throughout ther campus.

The Peak Adventures bike shop, at the WELL, performs competitively priced tune-ups, repairs, and maintenance services for the campus community.

Cyclists can access the American River Bike Trail from the Guy West Bridge, adjacent to campus.

“Sac State is an up-and-coming star for alternative transportation,” says Ming-Tung “Mike” Lee, vice president for Administration. – Dixie Reid