Interested in bike commuting, but not sure where to start? Here are a few tips to get you rolling:
Step 1: Find a bike that’s right for you
It’s important to find a bike that you feel comfortable on. Not ready to buy yet? Try renting at first, or using a bike share service .
If you are looking to purchase a bike, stop by a local bike shop and tell them what you’ll be using the bike for. They should be able to tell you your frame size and suggest different styles and sizes to try. Bring a bike-minded friend along with you for support, or reach out to Transportation Services for some purchasing recommendations.
Step 2: Plan your route to the UW
We’ve listed some popular routes on our Routes & resources page . Two other resources to know about:
Google Maps provides bicycle directions! Enter your start and end points and let Google do the rest. Please note that some directions are still in beta.Strava allows you to build a route based on multiple factors, such as popularity of use or elevation change. You can then use the app to track your cycling trips and show your friends all the awesome miles you ride.
Once you decide on a route, test it out! Try your new route on a weekend when there’s less traffic. Ask a friend or co-worker to ride with you, or get help from a Bike Buddy .
Does your route involve a bus? Get practice putting your bike on the bus bike rack with our full-sized practice rack located in front of the Transportation Services office at 1320 NE Campus Parkway. Metro also has some great instructions on how to use their racks.
All buses and most vanpools have easy-to-load bike racks. Try pedaling one way, or part of the way, and ride the bus or vanpool for the rest of your journey. Bus and vanpool bike racks typically hold two or three bicycles. You can also take your bike on Sounder trains and Link light rail.
Step 3: Know where to park your bike
The UW campus is home to almost 10,000 bicycle parking spaces, including racks, lockers, rooms and houses. Check out our bike parking page for more information.
Step 4: Accessorize
In addition to your bicycle, certain accessories are required by law, and others will make your experience on a bike much more enjoyable:
Helmet: King County law requires you to wear a helmet when biking. Replace your helmet every three to five years or if it absorbs a major impact.Lights: The law requires you to have a white front light and red rear reflector when riding at night. We recommend a solid white front light and at least one red rear light to go with your rear reflector. Make sure to angle your front light so it doesn’t blind oncoming traffic.U-Lock: A stolen bike will ruin your day, so protect your bike by locking it up with a high-quality U-Lock. Your U-Lock should be big enough to fit around your bike frame, a bike rack and at least one wheel. Learn more about proper locking techniques here .Reflective clothing: While not required by law, reflective clothing and accessories can help you stay safe and seen while riding at night. Stop by your local bike shop and check out their clothing selection, or wear a construction vest over your clothing as an affordable alternative.Fenders: Keep your bike, body and the folks riding behind you dry by investing in full front and rear fenders.Bell: Politely alert pedestrians and slower-moving bicyclists that you’re about to overtake them by ringing your bell.
Step 5: Attire-ize
Just because it’s wet outside, doesn’t mean you have to be. Keep yourself warm and dry by investing in rain gear for fall and winter riding. Rain jackets and pants should be waterproof, light and breathable. Look for biking-specific features such as extra flaps or built-in reflectors. Look for gloves to keep your fingers warm and waterproof booties that you can slip over your shoes. Caps designed for biking will keep your head and ears warm under your helmet.
Step 6: Register your bicycle
Losing your bike stinks. Register your bike with Bike Index . If your bike is later stolen, this will make it easier to get it back.
Ride with a Bike Buddy
Bike Buddies are UW students, faculty and staff who have bike commuting figured out and want to help others who live near them bike commute to campus. They share their route tips and bike alongside new riders to help them get started.
Sign up to get started
Get matched up
Become a Bike Buddy
For experienced bike commuters. When someone who lives near you needs help, we will connect them with you.
Need help with repairs, classes or rentals? Check out our Resources
Bike Share
The University of Washington has partnered with JUMP to provide rentable dockless bikes for use on campus. JUMP currently offers electric-assist bicycles for rent. These bike share bikes are also available throughout Seattle. Effective June 2020, JUMP bikes are available in the Uber app only.
JUMP - How it Works
Download the Uber app on your mobile device.
If you have not already, create an Uber account.
Get riding!
If you have any questions about your JUMP discount, you can contact the local customer service team at support@uber.com .
Regulations & best practices
Wear a helmet. It’s the law in King County. If you need help obtaining a helmet, check out ASUW bike shop for some affordable options, or contact Transportation Services.
Park at a bike rack. Although bike share bikes can be parked in the right of way (the area between the sidewalk and the curb) in other parts of Seattle, bikes must be parked at a bike rack on campus. Make sure bikes are not blocking any sidewalk, doorway, ramp or any place where it could block pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Be especially mindful of keeping bikes away from ADA ramps, entrances, and parking spaces. Check out this video from SDOT on properly parking a bike share bike to ensure accessibility for everyone.
Obey all traffic laws and campus policies. Always yield to pedestrians, and practice safe riding techniques when cruising around campus. Learn more on our Rules & safety page .
Do a safety check before you ride. Make sure the wheels aren’t flat and the brakes are in working order (give them a squeeze) before unlocking the bike. Report any damage directly to Lime or JUMP in the app.
Reporting improperly parked bikes
All bike share bikes on campus must be parked in compliance to WAC 478-116-199 , i.e. within four feet of a campus bike rack. If you find a bike share bike parked in a manner that violates these standards, please report the bike to UW Transportation Services or the bike share company directly.
JUMP: Report by calling 833-300-6106 or via email at support@uber.com .UW Transportation Services: Report by emailing bshare@uw.edu between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with a photo, location description and the bike share bike code if available.
If the bike share bike is parked in a manner that causes immediate mobility and access issues (e.g. blocking sidewalks, trails and/or access ramps), flag the bike as an “Egregious Operational Impact” to ensure the removal of the bike is addressed immediately.
