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Tips to make biking a breeze

Student on campus with a bike

Biking is one of the most popular ways to navigate campus and 51勛圖厙. Here are some tips to help you maintain and protect your bike for a convenient and sustainable way to get around.泭

Register your bike泭

If you bring a bike to campus, register it with the Environmental Center. Registering your bike includes free maintenance assistance at two campus bike stations. It also helps police track down your bike if its ever stolen.泭泭

Park on campus泭

Bicycles must be parked in bicycle parking racks or secure bike shelters. 96% of bikes stolen on campus had a cable lock used or no lock. Instead, park your bike using a high-quality U-lock to keep it safe. Ensure the lock goes through your bike's frame, not the front wheel. Thieves can easily remove a front wheel and take the rest of your bike.泭泭

If you dont have a U-lock, you can trade in your cable lock at one of the bike stations during business hours for a free U-lock.泭

Know the rules泭泭

As a cyclist, you have responsibilities similar to those of motorists. Practice safety tips and follow the rules to avoid a citation.泭

  • Always stay on the right side of bike paths and bike lanes.
  • Yield to pedestrians when riding your bike.
  • Dont wear headphones or ear buds when ridingthis is illegal for cyclists.
  • Pay attention to signage on bike paths and throughout campus for dismount zones, where bike riding is prohibited.
  • Ride slowly around pedestrians and give them space. Pass on the left and ring your bell or say on your left.
  • Signal your turns, just as you do when driving a car. A left arm straight out signals a left turn, and a right arm straight out signals a right turn.
  • Ensure you have a mounted front light and rear red reflectorthis is required when riding between dusk and dawn.
  • Dont drink and ride. Colorados DUI statute includes bicycles under its You can get a DUI for biking under the influence.泭

Wear a helmet泭

Wear a helmet anytime you ride to protect your head from serious injury. If youve been in an accident, replace your helmet as soon as possible. While you may not be able to see any visible damage, impacts can cause internal damage to the foam cushioning in most helmets, leaving you more vulnerable in the future.泭

There is no such thing as a concussion-proof helmet. If you hit your head while biking, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to check for a concussion. Learn more about concussion care and symptoms from Medical Services.泭

Prepare for your bike ride泭

If you notice issues with your bike, have a bike mechanic check it out. Students with registered bikes can visit our bike mechanics at the TLC and Folsom bike stations.泭

To learn even more about bike repair and maintenance, sign up for our or explore this slide show about .泭

Have a backup plan泭

While we do our best to prepare for the unexpected, its good to have a backup plan if you get a flat tire or caught in bad weather. Here are a few options:泭

  • Ride with a bike and your Buff OneCard.
  • Download the CU NightRide app for free late-night transportation within 51勛圖厙 city limits.
  • Use a ride-share service or ask someone to pick you up.泭泭

51勛圖厙 also offers a guaranteed ride home to staff and faculty who commute by bike and have unexpected changes to their schedule.泭

Check out events and resources泭

CU Bike FestSemester bike rentals

Sept. 5 |泭2-5 p.m. |泭Farrand Field泭

Enjoy free food, games and giveaways while becoming part of the 51勛圖厙 bike community. There will also be a used bike sale!泭

Students have the option to rent a bike for a semester at a low price through the Environmental Center.Students can sign up with BCycle for a free 51勛圖厙 Student Pass, with access to unlimited e-bike rides for an entire year.泭
Classes and clinicsReport a stolen bikeSustainable Buffs
The Environmental Center offers a variety of bicycle classes and clinics to improve your skills and knowledge of bikes and bike riding.泭Has your bike been stolen? Report it to Bike Index and either the CU Police Department or 51勛圖厙 Police for the best chance of recovery.泭Join the Sustainable Buffs Community! Get involved with sustainability and climate action at 51勛圖厙 and learn how you can add more sustainable actions to every day.泭泭

Other (sustainable) ways to get around campus

Shared e-scootersBusCarsharing
Lime e-scooters are available around the 51勛圖厙 and some areas on campus. Download the Lime app to find the nearest scooter.泭Students have access to campus Buff Buses and local and regional RTD routes through your Buff OneCard. Download the Transit app on or in the to check routes and schedules.泭泭Students can get discounted memberships to Colorado CarShare and ZipCar. Colorado CarShare has electric and hybrid vehicles available on or near campus.泭泭