5 tips to make winter biking a breeze
Biking to campus is a great way to stay active and be eco-friendly, even in winter. Whether you’re a student, faculty or staff member, you can join the Boulder community for Winter Bike to Work Day on Feb. 14 and ride to campus. Stop by the Rec Center Plaza from 7-9 a.m. for hot beverages, snacks and swag.
Whether you participate in Winter Bike to Work Day or not, here are tips for biking this winter.
Register and protect your bike
If you bring a bike to campus, register it with the Environmental Center. This includes free maintenance help at two campus bike stations. It also helps police track down your bike if it’s stolen.
On campus, 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.
If you only have a cable lock, you can swap it for a free U-lock at one of the bike stations during business hours.
Plan for the elements
Colorado weather changes quickly, so check the forecast and consider safety before heading out.
Wear layers and choose reflective or brightly colored clothing to be seen when it’s dark. The city of Boulder also requires bikes to have lights on the front and back for night riding. Wear shoes with a good grip on your pedals and always wear a helmet. Learn more winter weather safety tips.
Additionally, make a backup plan for bad weather:
- Ride RTD buses and light rails with a bike and your Buff OneCard.
- Download the CU NightRide app for free late-night transportation within Boulder city limits.
- Use a ride-share service or ask someone to pick you up.
CU Boulder also offers a guaranteed ride home to staff and faculty who commute by bike and have unexpected changes to their schedule.
Stay up to date
Sign up for the monthly CU Bike News, a newsletter for CU bicyclists. You’ll receive updates on bike programs, events, road upgrades and construction, and tips.
Prepare for your ride
Plan your route by reviewing the Boulder County bike map. If you’re riding in snowy weather, be mindful of snow in bike lanes and roads. Often, multi-use paths are cleared first, so consider traveling on the paths and limiting road use on snowy days. Try not to brake on slick or bumpy surfaces—stay focused and relaxed to maintain control of your bike.
If you notice issues with your bike, have a bike mechanic check it out. Students, staff and faculty with registered bikes can visit the bike mechanics at the TLC and Folsom bike stations.
To learn even more about bike repair and maintenance, sign up for the online Bike Mechanics 101 class or explore this slide show about basic bike anatomy.
Know the rules
As a cyclist, you have responsibilities similar to those of motorists. Practice safety tips and follow the rules to avoid a citation.
- Always stay on the right side of bike paths and bike lanes.
- Yield to pedestrians when riding your bike.
- Don’t wear headphones or ear buds when riding—this 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 reflector—this is required when riding between dusk and dawn.
- Don’t drink and ride. Colorado’s DUI statute includes bicycles under its definition of “vehicle.” You can get a DUI for biking under the influence.
Find support
Learn more about biking and transportation options to get around campus sustainably.
- Semester bike rentals: Students have the option to rent a bike for a semester at a low price through the Environmental Center.
- Boulder BCycle: Students can sign up with BCycle for a free CU Boulder Student Pass, with access to unlimited e-bike rides for an entire year.
- Classes and clinics: The Environmental Center offers a variety of bicycle classes and clinics to improve your skills and knowledge of bikes and bike riding.
- Report a stolen bike: Report stolen bikes to Bike Index and either the CU Police Department or Boulder Police for the best chance of recovery.
- Sustainable Buffs: Join the Sustainable Buffs Community! Get involved with sustainability and climate action at CU Boulder and learn how you can add more sustainable actions to every day.