BHSU named a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists recognized Black Hills State University with a Bronze Bicycle Friendly University award.

BHSU is the only University in the state of South Dakota to receive the Bicycle Friendly University designation.

Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Black Hills State University with a Bronze Bicycle Friendly UniversitySM (BFUSM) award. BHSU is the only university in South Dakota with this designation.

With the announcement of 46 new and renewing BFUs today, BHSU is part of a cutting-edge group of colleges and universities across the U.S. that are transforming their campuses and the communities around them. There are now 182 Bicycle Friendly Universities in 45 states and Washington, D.C.

Dr. Tom Jackson, Jr., President, BHSU, said the award is an example of the campus commitment to promote and maintain campus sustainability.

BHSU recently added ADA accessible bike/walk path connecting St. Joe and the Spearfish Bike Path to the heart of campus. Jackson said the University is working within campus and throughout the community to find innovative strategies to maintain and sustain the beauty of BHSU and the Black Hills.

In addition to the bike/walk path, BHSU also has increased bike parking on campus. The BHSU Bicycle Club promotes weekly rides throughout the year.  

Another unique bicycle collaboration is with Hills Horizon, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable living. BHSU and Hills Horizon partner in the Bike Spearfish! program. The goal of Bike Spearfish! is to promote a culture of active living via advancing bicycle transportation, trail construction and completion, advocating safe cycling and complete street policies, and community cycling and promotional events.

BHSU now joins more than 180 visionary colleges and universities from across the country as a Bicycle Friendly University.

"From renewing Platinums to brand new Bronzes, this latest class of Bicycle Friendly University awardees show a wonderful commitment to safety, health, and sustainability through their efforts to support bicycling on campus," said Amelia Neptune, director of the League's Bicycle Friendly America Program. "We applaud this round of BFUs for raising the standard and being innovative in making bicycling a safe, convenient and enjoyable option for students, staff and visitors alike."

Neptune noted that when colleges and universities invest in bicycling, great things happen: decreasing the carbon footprint, reducing healthcare costs, connecting to community, and promoting a fun and healthy campus culture.

The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, the League's commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change. Learn more at bikeleague.org.

BHSU offers an online master's in sustainability degree program, the only degree of its kind in the western half of the U.S. The University was named a Tree Campus USA in 2017 and is rated STARS Silver by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). Several campus buildings are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified. BHSU recycles over 50 tons of material every year, runs a Campus and Community Garden, and organizes Spearfish Local and the Black Hills Food Hub promoting locally-grown food.