UNL’s Outdoor Adventures Center earned a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Business award from the League of American Bicyclists.

Announced April 22, the honor recognizes employers for efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers and the community. More than 950 businesses and government agencies from across the United States have received the award.

“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 and its related programs and services are part of Campus Recreation. The center is the second Nebraska group to earn the Gold-level award, joining RDG Planning and Design, the architecture firm that designed the Outdoor Adventures Center. UNL’s Campus Rec Center received a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business award in 2012.

The outdoor 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 and are available to any bike commuter.

In addition, the center provides free bike-valet service for large campus events. The service reduces traffic congestion by encouraging individuals to ride bike to campus.

“We’re excited and motivated by this honor,” said 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 free tools and technical assistance from the League of American Bicyclists. The added services will help the center become even more bicycle-friendly.

For more information on UNL’s Outdoor Adventures Center, go to http://crec.unl.edu/outdoor or contact Jordan Messerer at 402-472-8871.