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BIDDEFORD, Maine

UNE named a 'Bike-Friendly University' by League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists has recognized the University of New England as a "Bicycle Friendly University," the only college or university in Maine to receive that designation. 

The League named 58 Bicycle Friendly Universities in 30 states.

The Bicycle Friendly University program recognizes institutions of higher education for promoting and providing a more bicycle-friendly campus for students, staff and visitors. It evaluates efforts to promote bicycling in five primary areas: engineering, encouragement, education, enforcement and evaluation/planning.

Those institutions recognized provide the necessary tools and infrastructure for safe and comfortable bicycling, and facilitate programs to encourage and support cyclists.

In its letter to UNE awarding the Bronze designation, the League stated, "You should take great pride in the bike-friendly campus you have created for your students, faculty, staff and visitors."

In 2008 UNE President Danielle Ripich signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment and established a Climate Action Planning Team to develop a roadmap for becoming carbon neutral.

Among the many sustainability initiatives implemented since that time, UNE launched a unique free bike alternative transportation and Zipcar program in fall 2008 to reduce the number of vehicles on campus and UNE's carbon footprint.  The program is one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind in the country.

UNE also has a bicycle club offering tours throughout the seacoast, bicycle rentals, repairs and more. The university also gives prospective students the option of touring its beautiful coastal Maine campus on a bicycle during the summer months.

UNE operates the seasonal Saco River ferry for commuters traveling to UNE from the Saco-Old Orchard Beach, Maine area.  The river ferry transports passengers between Camp Ellis, Saco and the UNE pier in Biddeford, and encourages passengers to bring bicycles with them for transportation once on campus.  

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.