Luther students, faculty pave the way for bike friendly campus award

Luther College is proud to earn a Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) silver award after completing a comprehensive assessment conducted by the League of American Bicyclists.

Bicycling is a main component of Luther’s long-standing sustainability strategy.

“We’re thrilled to earn a silver-level designation,” said Jon Jensen, director of Luther’s Center for Sustainable Communities. “It’s great to see the efforts of our students recognized by the League of American Bicyclists. I’m particularly proud of the work the students did in last year’s environmental studies course ‘Sustainability, Systems, and Solutions.’ Their project paved the way for this recognition.”

Senior Madison Major and juniors Evan Hansen and Sophie Chadima, in association with Luther’s Center for Sustainable Communities, evaluated campus parking and bicycle storage systems. They surveyed Luther students and employees about bicycle use. The students also assisted in gathering data required for the BFU application.

“It feels amazing to see our hard work pay off. I can not wait to see where this award can take us in the future,” Major said.

Luther is listed in the elite group of 209 colleges and universities in 44 states and the District of Columbia to earn BFU awards. The University of Iowa is the only other silver-level BFU campus in the Hawkeye State. Grinnell received a bronze-level award.

More than 500 higher education institutions have applied for an BFU award during the program’s history. Notably, Luther College received a silver award in the college’s first-ever application. Five other campuses received bronze-level recognition on their first-time applications this year, and three campuses received honorable mentions.

In its Oct. 24, 2024 announcement, the League of American Bicyclists highlighted Luther College and its efforts to empower students and staff to make choices that benefit their health, their environment and their communities.

“Luther College’s commitment to bicycling is grounded within a deep commitment to sustainability and community,” the league said.

Bicycling is a main component of Luther’s long-standing sustainability strategy and goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. Luther ranks seventh among baccalaureate institutions nationally on the Sustainable Campus Index (AASHE 2024 Sustainable Campus Index).

Luther’s Center for Sustainable Communities has been the home for the college’s bicycle share program and its Bicycle Advisory Committee, which includes students, faculty, staff and administrators working to improve biking safety and awareness.

“Biking reduces our need for cars, but it’s also a great way to experience the beauty that is all around Luther and throughout the Driftless Region,” Jensen said.