11/14/2025
SUNY Cortland is riding high after being named a Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) award winner by the League of American Bicyclists.
The honor was described by the national advocacy group as a way to inspire healthy, sustainable institutions of higher education. It’s earned by schools that promote safe, accessible bicycling on campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
The BFU program evaluates applicants’ efforts to promote bicycling in five primary areas: engineering, encouragement, education, evaluation and planning and equity and accessibility. Final rankings are then determined after consulting with local cyclists and advocates.
Cortland, which has been recognized by the group since 2017, is one of 204 schools in the country to earn the designation this year, and among 105 of those to earn the Bronze rank. That distinction is for schools that have begun policies that show a strong commitment to cycling.
The Cortland Bike Project, created by the university in 2004, allows for free weekly bike rentals by any full-time students, faculty or staff. Bikes may also be rented for an entire semester for a fee.
“We’re thrilled to receive this award,” said Drew Abrams, coordinator of campus recreation-outdoor pursuits. “This program wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our bike technician, Harry Crossland, and the continued support of campus recreation as well as the funding we’ve received from the (Cortland Auxiliary Services) grant.”
Cortland’s BFU status gives it access to tools, resources and technical assistance from the league to help it continue to promote cycling.
The League of American Bicyclists was created in 1880 during the infancy of two-wheeled pedal power, known first as the League of American Wheelmen. As the mode of transport grew in popularity so did the group, which now claims more than 200,000 members and supporters with more than 1,000 state and local groups and clubs.
“What stands out about this round of Bicycle Friendly Universities is their commitment to listening, learning and improving,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “That spirit of progress is helping shape today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders, equipping them to carry on the work of building a more Bicycle Friendly America.”
For more information on joining the Cortland Bike Project, contact Outdoor Pursuits by email or call 607-753-5809.