Ride smart: Tips for safe and sustainable campus cycling

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

  Register your bike  

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 it’s ever stolen.   

  Park on campus  

Bicycles must be parked in bicycle parking racks or secure bike shelters. 96% of bikes stolen on campus had a cable lock 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 and not the front wheel. Thieves can easily remove a front wheel and take the rest of your bike.   

If you don’t 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.  

  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.  

  Wear a helmet  

Wear a helmet anytime you ride to protect your head from serious injury. If you’ve 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.  

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.  

  Prepare for your bike ride  

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.  

To learn even more about bike repair and maintenance, sign up for our online Bike Mechanics 101 class or explore this slide show about basic bike anatomy.  

  Have a backup plan  

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

• 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.