SUNY New Paltz named a Bronze Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists
The League of American Bicyclists, the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike, has recognized SUNY New Paltz with a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University award in recognition of the University’s achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus.
New Paltz joins 208 other colleges and universities in the U.S. to earn Bicycle Friendly University honors from the League. The accomplishment was made possible thanks in large part to the student-led Bike Friendly University Sustainability Ambassador Team, which formed in fall 2023.
“I am thrilled that this student initiative led by student Sustainability Ambassadors paired with strong support from Facilities Management to transform our physical infrastructure to support low carbon, healthy transportation methods is receiving national recognition,” said Campus Sustainability Coordinator Lisa Mitten.
The Bike Friendly University Sustainability Ambassador Team – including team lead Michael Hanson ’24 (Environmental Studies), communications and engagement member Aileen Pastrana ’26 (Mechanical Engineering), and team members Frederick Asher ’25 (Geography – Urban Planning), Emilien Boyer ’26 (Mechanical Engineering) and Caroline Rosner ’24 (Geology) – has advocated for bike infrastructure and fostered bike culture on campus.
In addition to the Bicycle Friendly University award, their successes in just over a year working together also include the development of the SUNY New Paltz Bike Master Plan, organization of once-a-semester bike repair cafes, annual bike safety and maintenance giveaways, and of course, lots of group bike ride events.
Their work aligns with broader efforts at SUNY New Paltz to encourage bicycling as an easy option for transportation, through amenities such as the more than 230 bike racks on campus, a bike repair station, numerous educational resources for biking and more.
“When universities make biking easier, safer, and more accessible, they’re not just helping students get from point A to point B—they’re leading the charge in creating a more sustainable future,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “By prioritizing better biking, Bicycle Friendly Universities like SUNY New Paltz are empowering students and staff to make choices that benefit their health, their environment, and their communities.”
Recognition from the League of American Bicyclists comes with access to a variety of free tools, a resource library and technical assistance to become even more welcoming to people who bike. The newly awarded Bronze designation is in effect from October 2024 to October 2028, with the goal of renewing and/or moving up to a higher designation with future applications.
For the latest info about Bike Friendly University Team of Sustainability Ambassadors of the Office of Campus Sustainability, follow @sustainablenewpaltz on Instagram or visit the Sustainable SUNY New Paltz website.
About the League of American Bicyclists
Since 1880, the League of American Bicyclists has been people-powered, with a goal to make bicycling safer and easier as a means of transportation and recreation. Today, the League includes more than 200,000 members and supporters with more than 1,000 state and local advocacy groups and bike clubs as well as thousands of businesses, universities, and communities together leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. Learn more at www.bikeleague.org, and get information about the Bicycle Friendly America program at www.bikeleague.org/BFA.