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.
In addition to your bicycle, certain accessories are required by law, and others will make your experience on a bike more enjoyable. Visit our Rules & safety page to learn more about the accessories you need for a safe commute.
Step 2: Plan your route to the UW
Visit our Routes & resources page to check out popular routes to campus and tips on planning your own route. Once you decide on a route, test it out! Ask a friend or co-worker to ride with you, or get help from a Bike Buddy .
Not comfortable biking your full commute? Try using a bus or vanpool for part of your journey. All regional buses and most vanpools have easy-to-load bike racks that typically hold two or three bicycles. You can also take your bike on Sound trains and Link light rail. If you need practice, you can test out putting your bike on a bus bike rack with the full-sized practice rack located in front of the Transportation Services office. King County Metro also has great instructions on how to use the bike racks on their buses.
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. No matter where you park, using a U-Lock is always recommended to keep your bike safe and secure.
Step 4: 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. Invest in 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 5: Register your bicycle
Losing your bike stinks. Register your bike with Bike Index . If your bike is 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!
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.
