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Project Updates for Bicycle Ambassador Program

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  1. Preliminary Research for Bike Ambassador & Bike Buddy Programs Complete

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Ambassador Program
    Learn How to Ride a Bicycle and Bike Rodeo

    On July 25th, the bike ambassador and bike buddy questionnaire that was sent out June 28th and June 30th closed. In total, 12 responses were collected where one response was collected via a virtual interview. By examining various university, community, and cyclist organizations’ approaches to bike buddy and bike ambassador programs, the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign can better understand the benefits, challenges, and steps to implement such programs. Attached is a draft report and draft presentation that summarize the results of the research.

    Attached Files: 

  2. Bicycle Ambassador & Bike Buddy Program Form Responses

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Ambassador Program
    Learn How to Ride a Bicycle and Bike Rodeo

    Emily is continuing to work on researching bicycle ambassador and bike buddy programs. As of July 18th, the form Emily sent out to various universities, municipalities, and organizations, on June 27th, has received 11 responses. Only 2 responses are from groups with bicycle ambassador programs and 2 from bike buddy programs. On July 17th, Emily interviewed a research specialist at the New Jersey Bike and Pedestrian Resource Center at Rutgers University about their former New Jersey Ambassadors in Motion Program. The call was very informational especially when it came to learning about the biggest successes from the program and the challenges that forced it to disband. Emily and the research specialist also discussed other bike programs and bike infrastructure at the university that were relevant to the New Jersey Ambassadors in Motion Program.  

    While the form is open until July 25th, the current information that has been gathered can be useful for understanding potential events, applications, and procedures that students are responsive to in order to implement a bike buddy and bike ambassador program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

    Attached is a pdf of notes from the call and another pdf of notes from the form.

    Attached Files: 

  3. Bicycle Ambassador & Bike Buddy Program Research Updates

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Ambassador Program
    Learn How to Ride a Bicycle and Bike Rodeo

    On June 27th, Emily sent out emails to 14 different organizations that have a bike ambassador, a bike buddy, or a similar program to learn more about bike ambassador and bike buddy programs. The email includes a description of the two goals relating to creating bike ambassador and bike buddy programs stated in the 2024 Campus Bicycle Plan. The email also included a 40 question questionnaire, which is linked as a pdf.

    These organizations include the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, the public works department in the county where Pennsylvania State University is located, Rutgers University New-Brunswick, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of California Irvine, University of Iowa, University of California Los Angeles, University of Edinburgh, University of Maryland, University of Oregon, the City of Madison, Wisconsin, Indiana University, and a local biking group in Portland, Oregon (BikeLoud PDX). While 25 universities were researched, not all universities have a bike ambassador program, a bike buddy program, or a similar program and so local organizations that have such programs in these areas were also contacted. Responses are requested from the 14 organizations by July 25th.

    On June 30th, Sarthak forwarded the questionnaire to the Campus Bike Programmer Network.

    Attached Files: 

  4. Research In Progress for Bike Ambassador, Bike Buddy, and Commuter Programs

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Ambassador Program
    Learn How to Ride a Bicycle and Bike Rodeo
    Commuter Program: Bus, Bike, and Hike

    Emily is working on researching Bicycle Ambassador, Bike Buddy, and Commuter Programs at Big 10 and other universities to eventually implement these programs at UIUC. While the Bicycle Ambassador program was last active around 2014, restarting this program is a priority under the Encouragement area of intervention in the 2024 Campus Bicycle Plan. Similarly, the Bike Buddy program, which would encourage more bicycle trips on campus, especially for newer and less experienced cyclists, is also a priority under the Encouragement area of intervention. Emily is also continuing research on the Commuter program, which is a part of the Evaluation & Planning area of intervention in the 2024 Campus Bicycle Plan.

  5. Bicycle Ambassador Spoke Cards

    Associated Project(s): 
    Bicycle Ambassador Program

    Bicycles Ambassadors have decided to use "Hello, I'm a Bike Ambassador" spoke cards to be idenitfied on campus. These cards are being used as a point of reference for individuals to idenitify fellow bike ambassadors but to help those who may have bicycling questions. These cards represent those who believe in the power of bicycles and want to encourage others to use one as well. Look out for these cards around the CU area!

  6. Bicycle Ambassador Program Launching

    Associated Project(s): 
    Increase Bicycle Use
    Bicycle Ambassador Program

    Applications are now being accepted for a new Bicycle Ambassador program at the University of Illinois.  Bicycle Ambassadors are bicycling enthusiasts who will promote bicycling for transportation, raise awareness about the rights and responsbilities of cyclists, and foster a postitive bicycle culture on our campus.  Interested students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to sign up to become a Bicycle Ambassador today! 

    Learn more on the Bike Ambassador project page: https://icap.sustainability.illinois.edu/project/bicycle-ambassador-program