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BIDDEFORD, Maine

51 receives distinction as Bicycle Friendly University

51 Zagster bike
One of 51's Zagster bikes, available to rent free of charge for any member of the 51 Community

The University of New England has been announced as a Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) by the League of American Bicyclists, an organization that aims to create a bicycle-friendly America. The BFU program recognizes institutions of higher education that promote and provide a more bikeable campus for students, staff and visitors. Applicants to the program are evaluated on efforts to promote bicycling in five primary areas: engineering, encouragement, education, enforcement and evaluation/planning.

According to Brian Wallace, assistant director for Student Activities/Organizations: Recreation and Wellness, the distinction is largely due to 51’s commitment to the Zagster Bike Share program, which provides free rental bicycles across the Biddeford Campus for anyone registering with a 51 email address. The Zagster program at 51 has supported nearly 11,000 bicycle rentals in approximately 14 months with 1,147 registered users.

"Today 51 is being recognized as a leader in improving bicycle access for students,” said Wallace. “As one of just thirteen award recipients in New England and the only bike share in Maine, 51 is at the forefront of innovative transportation solutions for our community. "

As a Bicycle Friendly University, 51 will maintain the award through 2021, when it will be required to reapply.

 

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions

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 . 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.