New York University
Tier2-3: Bicycle Plan

In 2009, the NYU Sustainability Task Force's Transportation Working Group drafted a detailed, public, 15-page set of recommendations which constitute a strategic plan for bicycling at NYU. These recommendations include proposals, projects, and policy changes which would streamline, facilitate, or enable "more and better bicycling" for students, faculty and staff, through additional indoor and outdoor bicycle storage, standardized procedures for removal and disposal of abandoned bikes, education programming around safety and anti-theft practices, etc. The central university administration, led by NYU Operations in coordination with other units, have adopted these recommendations and have been a driving force in proposing and implementing programs that lower barriers to entry for prospective cyclists and facilitate safe riding and theft prevention for existing bicycle commuters. Since 2009, NYU has: *Appointed a member of NYU's senior leadership team (Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Beth Morningstar) as a coordinating "bike czar." *Worked with the NYC Department of Transportation to increase the number of public bike racks around the Washington Square campus by 50%. *Surveyed all existing buildings for possible indoor bike parking, adding 15 additional spaces to date, with plans for 15 more in the coming year, and significantly more planned as part of ongoing new construction. *Provided several bike commuting and bike safety workshops for students, faculty and staff *Initiated New York City's first free Bike Share program, currently serving over 500 students, faculty, and staff, with pickup/dropoff points available at 8 locations throughout Lower Manhattan. *Formed a committee to evaluate reworking traffic patterns and infrastructure to create a designated "safe biking zone" around the core campus area in Lower Manhattan *Designed policy to ensure freight elevator access to bicycle commuters with offices in specific buildings *Developed a central online hub (to be accessible in spring 2011) for students interested in cycling to learn more about available resources, applicable laws, and tips for safe riding. *Initiated dialogue with local bicycle retailers aimed at establishing consistent discounts for NYU community members.