Ride on, Hawks! New Paltz officially named a Bike Friendly University

For the first time, the League of American Bicyclists has recognized SUNY New Paltz with the distinction of Honorable Mention on its list of 2023 Bike Friendly Universities.

New Paltz joins a record number of 220 colleges and universities working with the League and local advocates to build stronger communities, safer streets, and better bicycling for everyone. 

The Bike Friendly University program recognizes colleges and universities that advance a sustainable campus transportation system under the 5 E’s framework: Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Evaluation and Planning, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. 

New Paltz’s recognition from the BFU awards would not have been possible without the efforts of the student-led Sustainability Ambassadors’ Bike –Friendly University team.  

“The process that led to the Bike-Friendly University honorable mention distinction has clarified our focus on engaging campus partners in advancing affordable, accessible and low-carbon transportation options like biking,” said Campus Sustainability Coordinator Lisa Mitten. “We are looking at facilities projects in new ways and asking new questions to support low carbon and sustainable movements across campus, the Village, Town and our region.” 

The University currently boasts scores of bike racks, and the Bike Friendly Team is working on developing more opportunities to enhance bike accessibility.  

With easy access to three New York State biking routes–the Walkill Valley Rail Trail, the Empire State Trail, and the River-to-Ridge Trail–SUNY New Paltz encourages biking as a form of both transportation and recreation, creating further incentive for all on campus to promote bicycling. 

Click here for more on the Bicycle-Friendly University program and the full list of honorees.