On April 22, the League of American Bicyclists recognized the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Outdoor Adventures Center with a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, joining more than 950 visionary businesses from across the country.
The Outdoor Adventures Center (OAC) and it's related programs and services are part of Campus Recreation within the Division of Student Affairs. The OAC is one of three Nebraska entities to achieve the Gold-level award; the others is RDG Planning & Design in Omaha (the architecture firm who designed the OAC) and PayPal in LaVista. UNL's Campus Rec Center received a Silver-level BFB award in 2012.
With the announcement of 161 new and renewing BFBs today in 46 states and Washington, D.C., the Outdoor Adventures Center joins a cutting-edge group of more than 950 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies across the United States that are transforming the American workplace.
“Visionary business leaders are recognizing the real-time and long term impact that a culture of bicycling can create,” said Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this new round of businesses for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their employees.”
The Outdoor Adventures Center encourages bicycling as an easy option for transportation and provides amenities such as UNL's campus bike shop, bike rentals, bike lockers, and commuter showers. Additionally, a 24-hour air pump and self-service repair station are located outside the facility, available to any bike commuter.
For large campus events like home football games, Jazz in June concerts, and the Red-White Spring Game, the OAC provides a free bike valet service for attendees who help reduce traffic congestion by riding a bike.
"We're excited and motivated by this honor," states Jordan Messerer, assistant director for outdoor adventures with UNL Campus Recreation. "The positive impact of our services, classes, and trips build a stronger culture and spirit of community amongst UNL students and the citizens of Lincoln and Nebraska. We'll continue our role and responsibilities as UNL and Lincoln further embrace bike-friendliness."
Moving forward, the Outdoor Adventures Center will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly.
Visit crec.unl.edu/outdoor to learn more about Outdoor Adventures or contact Jordan Messerer 402-472-8871.
To learn more about the free BFB program, visit the League online at http://www.bikeleague.org/content/businesses
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About the Bicycle Friendly AmericaSM Program
The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle Corp. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit http://www.bikeleague.org/BFA