The League of American Bicyclists recognized the University of Vermont as one of the nation’s most “Bicycle Friendly Universities,” on Oct. 22 — and promoted UVM to its silver level award, the group announced from its headquarters in Washington, DC.

UVM was honored as one of 33 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Universities in 20 states.

“This is a step forward from our previous award of bronze in 2011,” noted Doug Connelly, UVM’s bicycle coordinator. “Now UVM joins the City of Burlington in its quest for gold!” Recent changes that led to the award include the creation of Connelly’s coordinator position at the university. With his help, “the UVM Bicycle Center has opened its doors,” he said. “It's a full-service work space where students can learn bicycle maintenance and get free assistance each afternoon.”

“The Bicycle Center helps hundreds of students each semester,” Connelly said, “and the campus Bike Share reached new rider records in spring of 2014.”

Additionally, UVM Transportation and Parking Services recently purchased twenty-five new inverted-U bicycle racks to handle the growth in bicyclists. Students from numerous classes have been brainstorming solutions to address bicycling challenges, and the UVM Office of Sustainability has committed funds to research campus infrastructure, consult with outside experts, and, with Transportation and Parking Services, to develop an “Active Transportation Plan,” Connelly said.

"Campus leaders are recognizing the immediate and long-term impact that a vibrant bike culture can create for their institutions," said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. "We applaud this new round of colleges and universities for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier lifestyle for their staff, students and surrounding communities."

To learn more about the award visit: bikeleague.org/university.

The other winners of 2014 silver and gold awards from the league include: Arizona State University, Oregon Health & Science University, University of Maryland-College Park, Harvard University, University of Oregon, University of Washington-Seattle, University of California-Santa Cruz, University of Iowa, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, East Carolina University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Dickinson College, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, University of Kentucky and University of La Verne.