Travel by Bike

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  • Before riding to campus don't forget to:
  • Buy a helmet and wear it correctly.
  • Register your bike at the UMC Bike Station.
  • Get a light so you can safely and legally ride after dark.
  • Use a U-lock to help deter theft.
  • Check out Colorado bicycling laws.

Bicycle Registration

Bicycle registration is mandatory at CU. Register your bike at the CU Bike Station just east of the UMC from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

  • Bring your bike, a photo ID and $10 to register. Students, you must have your Student ID to register. (Sign on to CUConnect to find your student ID; Social Security Numbers are not accepted.)
  • Registration costs $10 and is good for as long as you own the bike.
  • Many homeowners and renters insurance policies will cover your bike if it’s stolen and has been registered.
  • Call 303-735-2705 for registration information.

If Your Bike is Missing

  • If a bike appears to be abandoned, was found locked to something other than a bike rack, impedes disability access or any kind of traffic, PTS may have impounded the bike. To find out, submit a Missing Bike Inquiry.
  • We hold registered impounded bikes for 90 days, and non-registered impounded bikes for 60 days.
  • If you believe your bicycle was stolen, call the campus police at 303-492-6666.
  • The easiest way to claim a lost, stolen or impounded bike is through registration records. Register your bike at the bike station near the UMC. 

Theft Prevention

University campuses can be a target for thieves. Following a few common sense guidelines can help keep your bike safe.

  • Register your bike; it's a theft deterrent and the only way to get a stolen bike back to you.
  • Protect your investment with a quality U-lock.
  • Always lock your bike, even if you’re only gone for a minute.
  • Consider getting a “beater” bike for campus use. A good thief can break through any lock given enough time. Having a bike just for commuting can save you the heartbreak and headache of losing a good bike.
     

Bike Program

The Bike Program is your one-stop shop for all things related to biking at CU. Operated by Parking & Transportation Services and the Environmental Center, administers the Bike Station, bike registration, cruiser bike rentals (free to faculty, staff and students!).

Bike Station:

The bike station offers numerous ways to help keep our campus cyclists in the saddle and enjoying the campus and Boulder's great environment. We value the bicycle as an effective means of commute and recreation, improving its users' health, mobility and economic vitality.

Purpose

  • Bicycle registration, while primarily anti-theft, helps pay for the bike station and other campus bike enhancements, and is thus requested of those who bicycle on campus.
  • The bike station staff is here to help you with basic bicycle repairs. We are not a full service bike shop and therefore are limited by time, ability, staffing, and supplies. 
  • Our hope is that by teaching you how to keep your bike in working order we will help foster a strong campus cycling community.
  • We encourage you to take what you learn from us about maintaining your bike and pass it on to other members of the campus community.

Located just east of the UMC at the Fine Arts Lawn, the bike station has numerous services to help keep our campus cyclists in the saddle and enjoying CU and Boulder's great bicycling environment.

Bike Station Services (a few highlights):

  • Bicycle registration
  • Cruiser bicycle rentals ("Buff Bikes")
  • Bicycle maintenance assistance
  • Transit schedules & maps
  • Bicycle and pedestrian path maps and information

Mobile Mechanic:

Mobile Mechanic appointments will be available during the winter season when the CU Bike Station is closed.  In spring, summer and fall, visit the CU Bike Station for bicycle registration and assistance with basic bike repairs. With the Mobile Mechanic service, make an appointment and one of our station mechanics will meet you at your bike to help out. This service is for bicycles registered with the University of Colorado, and is available on campus only. The mobile mechanic is capable of selling a bicycle registration to owners with unlocked bicycles and valid identification

Buff Bikes (Two-Day Rentals):

Sixty Buff Bikes are ready for students and employees to rent. The bikes are single speed cruiser bikes with coaster brakes perfect for riding around campus, riding to lunch or attending an off-campus work meeting.  Buff Bikes are available for rent during regular bike station hours.

Rules of rental:

  1. rental is available to faculty, staff and students with a valid university ID (users must also know university ID number–not on card)
  2. rental is for one 48-hour checkout period
  3. rental is free of charge
  4. renewals are allowed, provided availability of a different bicycle
  5. bicycle must be returned in the same condition as checkout, with lock, key (not optional) and helmet (optional)
  6. user indemnifies the university and agrees to replacement costs in the case of loss
  7. user agrees to use bicycle responsibly, according to all applicable laws
  8. user agrees to park the bicycle at approved parking sites only (explicitly not including ADA access handrails or ramps)

Students must show valid Buff OneCard with RTD sticker. Faculty and staff must show valid Buff OneCard. Guest, temporary or other university ID cards require prior approval for eligibility. Contact bicycle@colorado.edu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Rentals late after 7 days are reported to the CU Police and are subject to collection.

Feel free to contact the bicycle program for questions or comments at bicycle@colorado.edu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

More bicycle information