In its 2024 release, the League of American Bicyclists has renewed Michigan State University’s Gold rating as a Bike Friendly University. Within a pool of 209 awardees nationwide, MSU is among only 11 campuses renewing a gold rating this year.  

“Receiving a Gold Bike Friendly University rating reflects MSU’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and community well-being,” said Thomas Glasmacher, interim executive vice president for administration. “By staying committed to increasing our biking infrastructure, and increasing services and access, we ensure that Spartans are able to stay connected to our beautiful campus both now and in the future.” 

MSU has a long history of embracing bicycles, with the first MSU Cycling Club being established in 1894. Since those times, MSU’s campus has grown to encompass nearly 60 miles of roads and close to 20 miles of bike lanes. The university has also partnered with neighboring communities to expand regional trail connections including part of the MSU to Lake Lansing trail, which offers a much safer bicycling commuting route for the east side of campus.  

“Biking is part of the MSU culture, and we continually aim to improve bicycle infrastructure on our campus,” said Laura Young, sustainability manager for the MSU Office of Sustainability, “Sustainable transportation is a core part of our Stewardship and Sustainability goals, and by promoting safe bicycling, we are able to reduce MSU's carbon footprint and support the health and wellbeing of Spartans.” 

MSU continues to incorporate bicycle-friendly guidance into its strategic initiatives as a result of collaboration between MSUBikes, the MSU Bike Advisory Committee, Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, the Office of Sustainability and other partners. MSUBikes is at the heart of MSU’s bicycling efforts, maintaining a service center that provides bike repair, sales, equipment and education to campus and broader community. 

“Achieving a second Gold rating as a Bike Friendly University is a testament to the MSU Bikes program, and MSU’s commitment to a sustainable and active campus,” said Timothy Potter, sustainable transportation manager for the MSU Bikes Service Center, “I’m truly glad that that we are recognized for our efforts to help students, faculty and staff discover the joys of bicycling on campus and beyond.” 

For more information on MSU’s mobility efforts, visit the MSU Mobility webpage.