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Be Active: Bike Riding Resources

Bike to Work Day

Bicycle Tips and Reminders:

  • When riding at night, cyclists must use proper lighting: white light in front, red in back.
  • It is the cyclists' responsibility to be familiar with all State Laws and Regulations.
  • Cyclists may be required to dismount in some areas. Cyclists are prohibited from riding on sidewalks as well as the Lawn and adjoining pathways. View dismount zones on the SMART Transportation Map.
  • Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
  • Watch for cars and buses turning right in front of you. It may be difficult for them to see you.
  • Cyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • Cyclists are prohibited from wearing earphones while riding.
  • Bicycles should be parked and locked in the racks provided as indicated on the map.
  • It is a good idea to register your bike with the University Police such that it may be returned to you if stolen.

Annual On Grounds Bike Sale

Since 2011 Parking and Transportation has partnered with locally owned bike shops to host the Annual On Grounds Bike Sale after Move-In in August. Local bike shops set up on Grounds with everything students and staff need including new bikes, helmets, lights, locks, and more.
Bike Sale UPD Bike Registration Bike Sale

Bicycle Maintenance

Bike Fix-It Station

During Earth Week 2011, Parking and Transportation installed a Bike Fix-It Station outside of Clark Hall. Stations have also been installed at Campbell Hall, O-Hill Dining Hall, and Runk Dining Hall. The Bike Fix-It Station allows cyclists to make adjustments and repairs on their bikes to keep them in proper and safe working order. The stations are free for use.

The Bike Fix-It Station features the following equipment:

  • Air Pump
  • Box Wrenches (8,9,10,11mm) and Heatset Wrench
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Philips Screwdriver
  • Allen Wrenches (2,2.5,3,4,5,6,8mm)
  • Tire Levers
  • Torx Wrench

Please call 434-924-1378 (e-mail jcm9ec@virginia.edu) to report any damage or missing equipment. We encourage your feedback on this new installation. Please e-mail Jon Monceaux at jcm9ec@virginia.edu with any questions or comments.

Check out our Sustainability@P&T blog post about the installation and to cast your vote on where we should install another station.

 Bike Fix-It Station

Bike Pumps at the Libraries

In March of 2011, the Green Grounds Group partnered with the U.Va Library to make bike pumps available at the Fine Arts Library and the Clemons Library. Cyclists can "check-out" the pumps just like they would a library book with their valid U.Va for up to 3 hours.

Bike Education

Parking and Transportation partners with community organizations and local bike shops to offer bike safety and maintenance education periodically throughout the year. Learning opportunities are posted on the Parking and Transportation website.

Cyclists are encouraged to check out our Community Cycling Resources page for information about local organizations, shops, and advocacy groups in the area.

 Bike Commuting 101
SMART Transportation Map

SMART Transportation Map

  • Cycling is a healthy, convenient, and environmental responsible transportation alternative. There are several designated bike paths, trails, and routes throughout Charlottesville that make it safe and convenient for cyclists.
  • Check the SMART Transportation Map created by the Green Grounds Student Organization, the Office of the University Architect, and Parking and Transportation to view the available bike routes around grounds.
  • The SMART Transportation Map also includes Zipcar locations and places that cyclists can find maintenance equipment.
   
Bike Racks on Buses (UTS, CTS, and JAUNT)

Bike Racks on Buses
   
Register Your Bike with the U.Va Police Department

Bike Registration with the University Police

  • Registering your bike is a free and smart decision. While registering your bicycle with the Police Department is not an insurance policy, it is a free tool that can assist police in recovering your bicycle if it becomes lost or stolen.
  • Cyclists can now register online at the U.Va Police Department's website. The bicycle file will remain on record for 5 years even if you are no longer affiliated with U.Va.
  • Register Your Bike
   
Bike Equipment Available at the U.Va Bookstore

Purchasing Bicycle Equipment on Grounds

  • The U.Va Bookstore now sells basic maintenance items for bikes including tubes, tools and pumps, as well as safety items like lights.
  • Cyclists needing to visit the U.Va Bookstore can park their bikes at the bike racks located in the plaza between the Bookstore and Newcomb Hall. Bike parking is also available inside the ground level of the Central Grounds Garage near the elevators.
  • Vehicle parking is also available in the Central Grounds Garage at an hourly rate. The Central Grounds Garage is located directly underneath the Bookstore off of Emmet Street.
  • The Bookstore is accessible from many UTS routes.
   
Community Cycling Resources

Community Resources

Shower Facilities On Grounds

  • Cycling to work can sometimes be a strenous activity. Luckily there may be shower facilities in your building or nearby. Ask your department administrator if there is a shower facility in your building.
  • Employees working near one of the fitness centers on Grounds may be interested in purchasing an annual membership in order to use their shower facilities (and squeeze in some extra work-outs). With their low annual rates, using their showers can be less than a $1 per day! Visit Intramural-Recreational Sports for more information.
 Intramural-Recreational Sports

University Bicycle Policy

"The University of Virginia, in support of its Security Policy to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere for the community of students, faculty, staff and visitors to the Grounds, is committed to establishing an environment that encourages the proper use and parking of bicycles on the Grounds.

Encouraging the use of bicycles by members of the University community underscores the value of biking as an environmentally sound mode of transportation as well as the need to educate persons about the rights of those on bicycles. At the same time, the University must maintain a safe environment for pedestrians approaching, entering and utilizing buildings on the Grounds. It is important the bicyclists ride safely on sidwalks where permitted, and use bicycle racks for parking to ensure that their bicycles do not impede passage into or from buildings in emergency situations. It is also important that bicycles not be locked to railings constructed for persons with disabilities or locked to trees, bushes, or crowd control chains/fences in order to avoid damage to the Grounds.

Procedures: Given that bicycles are a form of transportation, the Department of Parking and Transportation is responsible for the issuance and administration of University bicycle regulations governing appropriate use and storage of bicycles.

The University Police Department provides an opportunity for individuals to voluntarily register their bicycles as a passive anti-theft device."

Impounded Bicycles: Bicycles that are not properly stored, as described in the University Bicycle Policy (above), will be impounded by the Department of Parking and Transportation. Impounded bicycles may be picked up at the Parking and Transportation Office during regular operating hours at a fee of $25.00 per impounded bicycle.