The League of American Bicyclists and one of the largest bicycling magazines in the country recently named UK the most bicycle-friendly campus in the U.S.

Bicycling magazine ranked UK first, beating out the runner-up, the University of Maryland, College Park. Harvard University came in third. Forty-five schools were at least recognized for their notable on-campus bike friendliness.

Amelia Neptune, a program director with the League of American Bicyclists, told the magazine that UK was selected in-part because of the numerous incentives that the university provides to students and faculty that want to bike more. 

Neptune also said that UK’s hiring of Sandra Broadus, the alternative transportation manager, was another big plus for the league.

Broadus told the Kernel in previous interviews that in her position, she’s in charge of improving UK’s alternative transportation options so “walk, bike, run stuff.”

“Most colleges just make bike safety a pet project, but then no significant improvements happen,” Neptune told Bicycling. “Having someone who’s entirely focused on improving bike accessibility on campus is key to really improving the environment.”

Broadus said she’s that he’s happy that the university has been recognized.

“It’s truly an honor to have all of the university’s bicycling efforts recognized by an organization as well-renowned as Bicycling Magazine,” Broadus said in a press release. “We still have a lot of room for improvement, but Transportation Services and the Bicycle Advisory Committee have dedicated a lot of funding for infrastructure improvements, outreach, education, and incentive programs for cyclists over the last six or seven years.”

According to the press release, Broadus said that UK has “big things coming down the pipeline,” in relation to enhancing campus bike-friendliness.

“We’re getting ready to open the University’s first indoor bike room, complete with shower stalls, lockers, a fix-it station and water bottle fillers,” Broadus said in the press release. “Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library is also getting ready to acquire a bicycle parts vending machine, so cyclists will be able to purchase basic parts like a new inner tube or a new chain right here on campus.”