In 2011, the University applied for and was granted Bronze-level certification as a Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) from the League of American Bicyclists. The University retained its Bronze-level BFU certification in 2015. The University has filed an application in August 2019 to renew the BFU status. The U of I was promoted to the Silver-Level BFU status on October 17th, 2019.

The University strives to provide our students, faculty, staff, visitors, and community with great bicycle infrastructure, and we are continually trying to make the bicycling experience safer, more enjoyable, and better in all ways. The University seeks to maintain its Silver-level BFU certification in 2023, and achieve Gold-level BFU certification in 2027.