UAlbany Named a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists

Two women talk while standing next to bikes in a purple bike rack.
With participation in CDPHP's free bike-share program, miles of trails and access to lockers and showers, UAlbany is becoming more and more bike friendly. (Photo by Mark McCarthy)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 4, 2025) — The League of American Bicyclists, the premier grassroots advocacy organization encouraging bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike, named the University at Albany a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly University in recognition of its efforts to promote and enable a safe, more bikeable campus for students, staff and visitors. 

The Bicycle Friendly University program now includes 204 colleges and universities in 42 states and the District of Columbia. It’s part of the League’s Bicycle Friendly America program, which also awards communities and businesses with certifications as part of its mission to make bicycling safe, comfortable and more accessible for all.  

“This achievement reflects our belief in fostering a healthier, more connected campus. By offering accessible biking options, we are actively encouraging a healthy alternative for our community,” said Mary Ellen Mallia, the University’s director of sustainability. “We are excited to leverage this status to partner more deeply with local organizations on improving bike safety and broaden the positive impact of cycling on our students, faculty and staff.”

UAlbany participates in CDPHP Cycle program, the free bike-share program. Students, faculty and staff can register to use the free bicycles, which are available on the Uptown Campus at Empire Commons, Collins Circle and the Campus Center near the Science Library, as well as at Alumni Quad and the Downtown Campus. The Uptown campus also has 4.5 miles of paved, shared use trails appropriate for cyclists as well as 2 miles of unpaved bike paths.

Mallia pointed out other amenities that make campus accessible for cyclists, including five bike fix-it stations (at the Campus Center and at each quad), a bike registration program and access to lockers and showers at the Massry School of Business, Hudson, Catskill, University Hall, the Campus Center, Physical Education building and ETEC. The Office of Sustainability also promotes area bike events from the Albany Bike Coalition, Albany Social Cycling and Capital Streets.

Being named a Bicycle Friendly University gives access to tools, resources and technical assistance from the League of American Bicyclists.

"What stands out about this round of Bicycle Friendly University awards is their commitment to listening, learning and improving," said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists. "That spirit of progress is helping shape today's students into tomorrow's leaders, equipping them to carry on the work of building a more bicycle-friendly America."