Northern Michigan University has achieved bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University status, according to the awards announced Thursday by the League of American Bicyclists. NMU is making its first appearance on the annual listing. (Courtesy photo)

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University has achieved bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University status, according to the awards announced Thursday by the League of American Bicyclists. NMU is making its first appearance on the annual listing.

Promoting sustainable transportation, which includes enhanced cycling infrastructure and programming, is one of five initiatives identified in the university’s first-ever sustainability plan, according to a press release from the school.

“(May graduate) Ryan Watling was the driving force behind receiving this designation,” said Tricia Bush, associate athletic director for campus recreation. “He coordinated discussions with many departments on campus in order to complete all portions of the extensive application process.”

Watling also was co-coordinator of NMU’s inaugural Bike Week last April. The event highlighted what NMU offers cyclists: fat-tire bike rentals and workshops, a bike share program through the library, Cycling Club rides, Eco Reps “Tune-up Tuesday” and an abundance of bike racks. A second Bike Week was held in September.

NMU has also established partnerships with local organizations and businesses to promote sustainable transportation as a community-led initiative. The university collaborated with the Noquemanon Trail Network to offer students free use of the non-motorized trails. It also constructed a trailhead that connects campus to the NTN’s North and South trails.

“Campuses are incubators of the next generation,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. “To build safer streets, to encourage healthier communities, to empower more people to bike — colleges and universities can cultivate wider culture change by making biking a preferred option for people to get around campus.”

According to the league’s press release, the best schools for people who bike offer well-connected infrastructure, bike maintenance and storage options, theft prevention programs, skills classes, social biking events and the staffing to support better biking.

For 138 years, the League of American Bicyclists has been leading the movement to create a bicycle friendly America for everyone. It is the oldest and only grassroots advocacy organization for people who bike. The Bicycle Friendly University program now includes 208 colleges and universities.