Moving on Up: Bike lanes, bike boxes, and Aggie Blue Bikes

The League of American Bicyclists, an advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling, has honored Utah State University with a gold-level Bicycle Friendly University award in recognition of the institution’s achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus. The achievement makes USU one of only two universities in the state to reach gold-level certification.

“The many bike racks and wide paths on campus, as well as the bike lanes on roads running through and around the university make biking a great way to get around,” said Annie Wells, Aggie Blue Bikes mechanic and senior majoring in psychology, who has seen changes on campus that contribute to USU’s new rating.

The rating represents more than just bike racks and paths she said.

“The ABB shop on campus is an awesome resource for learning more about how to fix and maintain your own bike,” Wells said. “Recently, with us all needing to get out of our homes before we go stir crazy, campus has been a really nice place to take a break and ride.”

USU’s Sustainability Coordinator, Alexi Lamm, agrees that the university has made riding bicycles a safer and more convenient way to get around.

“Going through the Bike Friendly application process has given us a chance to appreciate the changes on campus and in the community, such as the completion of the Canyon Connector Trail and addition of bike lanes and boxes on Aggie Bullevard,” said Lamm.

Lamm continues to investigate active transportation options that can improve air quality, facilitate affordable transportation options, and engage the campus community in a fun and healthy way to travel.

The recognition of the USU Logan campus comes during an increase in cycling.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic the cycling industry has seen a boom in riders and people being interested to start cycling again as it is a safe, reliable, and, most importantly, a fun way to get around,” said Aggie Blue Bikes Coordinator Meg McCarthy.

The League of American Bicyclists is thrilled to honor USU.

“It is so energizing to have Utah State University among our cohort of 212 Bicycle Friendly Universities across the country,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “The 2020 class of 38 Bicycle Friendly Universities, including USU, has had to address a crisis unlike any we’ve seen in our lifetimes. Amidst the pandemic, we are grateful each of these institutions has acknowledged the benefits to the well-being and health of its students, staff and faculty in being a Bicycle Friendly University.”

Wells and McCarthy look forward to continuing their work at Aggie Blue Bikes.

“ABB programming has worked hard to reach students and grow the population of cyclists, contributing to the vibrant cycling culture that is unique and special to USU,” concluded McCarthy.

To learn more about the BFU program, visit the league online at www.bikeleague.org/university.