There are a number of ways to commute while physically distancing. Because of the rapidly changing situation related to COVID-19, traffic patterns and transportation recommendations may continue to evolve. The Parking and Transportation website is being updated regularly to keep you in the know. Be prepared to follow signs and instructions when you get to campus. Here are a few more tips to help you get around.
By bike
Commuting by traditional bicycle or e-bike is an excellent way to get around town while maintaining physical distancing. If you own a bike, make sure it’s registered. Get a tuneup, either at the UMC Bike Station or with remote assistance. Short tuneups will be available at the bike stations during the beginning of the semester.
- If you’re looking to buy your own bike, Community Cycles in Boulder has affordable refurbished used bikes for sale. The CU Bike Program also will have some semester bike rentals available for the fall. Semester rentals will be available via appointment only, Aug. 17–21.
- Buff Bikes will not be available for the fall 2020 semester, and the fall CU Bike Sale has been canceled.
E-bikes have many benefits for a wide range of commuters. They are user-friendly and handle nearly identically to a traditional bike, while allowing for an easy, quick ride. These are perfect for individuals who may have longer commutes, and can be a great alternative for individuals with mobility issues that prevent them from using traditional bikes. E-bikes are considered the same classification as traditional bicycles, so riders can take them most places a regular bike can ride, including on campus, roadways and on bike trails.
Bike sharing is another great option for getting around town with two wheels. All CU Boulder students, faculty and staff are eligible for a free Boulder B-cycle annual membership. Learn more on the campus bike sharing page. Boulder B-cycle bikes and stations are being disinfected regularly. Boulder B-cycle fleet technicians are wearing face coverings and gloves while they continue to disinfect all user touch points at the stations and on the bikes. Wearing gloves also is recommended for bike-sharing users.
Use this map of primary bike routes (PDF) on and around the CU Boulder campus to help you find your way. If you choose to walk to your destination, reference this map of estimated walking times (PDF) to help you plan your time.
By bus
Free campus Buff Bus service has been modified in response to campus efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19. Check the Buff Bus website for routes and schedules. Here are a few things to know about riding the Buff Bus this semester:
- To allow for physical distancing, Buff Buses will be operating at significantly limited capacity throughout the semester, and there will be limited seating
- Plan for longer wait and commute times due to limited capacity.
- Remember to physically distance while waiting for buses, as well as while on buses. Wearing a face covering is mandatory on Buff Buses and all public transit.
Real-time bus transit information for the Buff Bus and RTD routes is available by downloading the Transit App. Visit the RTD website for policy and service updates. While waiting for and riding the bus, wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing (6 feet apart from others).
Campus Buff Buses now offer service to the Center for Innovation & Creativity (CINC) Pavilion from 7 a.m. to 5:03 p.m., with loops beginning every 35 minutes at the Administrative and Research Center (ARC).
As part of the Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided the following recommendations for travel and transit:
- Consider options for limiting non-essential travel.
- Use forms of transportation that minimize close contact with others.
- Follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself when using transportation.
- Commute during less busy times and clean your hands as soon as possible after your trip.
By skateboard, scooter, mopeds, motorcycles and more
Non-motorized wheeled devices are allowed on paths and most sidewalks around campus but aren’t allowed on city streets.
Motorized (electric) scooters, skateboards and one-wheels are not currently allowed anywhere on campus paths or sidewalks and may not be taken into or stored in any campus building or residence hall.
Motorcycles, sit-down scooters and mopeds (both electric and gas powered) are allowed on city streets but are not allowed on campus sidewalks or paths. Students who bring a motorcycle, sit-down scooter or moped (regardless of engine size) to campus must purchase a special motorcycle parking permit and park only in designated motorcycle spaces.
By car
Permit holders must park in their designated lot on campus. If you don’t have a parking permit, there are multiple visitor lots with hourly parking rates on campus. Download the ParkMobile app to pay for short-term parking hands-free. Call 303-735-PARK (7275) or email parking@colorado.edu with parking questions.
No matter how you get to campus, CU Boulder’s Environmental Center, Transportation Services and Parking Services are working to make your commute safer and more efficient, with a lower impact on the environment. For help with your commuting options, please reach out to our sustainable transportation team at buffscommute@colorado.edu. Commuter students can also sign up for emails with commuter-focused information from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations.
