5 tips to make winter biking a breeze
Biking to campus is a great way to stay active and be eco-friendly, even in winter. Whether you鈥檙e a student, faculty or staff member, you can join the Boulder community for on Feb. 14 and ride to campus. Stop by the Rec Center Plaza from 7-9 a.m. for hot beverages, snacks and swag.听听
Whether you participate in Winter Bike to Work Day or not, here are tips for biking this winter.听
Register and protect your bike
If you bring a bike to campus, register it with the Environmental Center. This includes free maintenance help at two campus bike stations. It also helps police track down your bike if it鈥檚 stolen.听听听
On campus, bicycles must be parked in bicycle parking racks or secure bike shelters. 96% of bikes stolen on campus had a cable lock used 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, not the front wheel. Thieves can easily remove a front wheel and take the rest of your bike.听听听
If you only have a cable lock, you can swap it for a free U-lock at one of the bike stations during business hours.听
Plan for the elements
Colorado weather changes quickly, so check the forecast and consider safety before heading out.听
Wear layers and choose reflective or brightly colored clothing to be seen when it鈥檚 dark. The city of Boulder also requires bikes to have lights on the front and back for night riding. Wear shoes with a good grip on your pedals and always wear a helmet. Learn more .听
Additionally, make a backup plan for bad weather:听听
- Ride with a bike and your Buff OneCard.听听
- Download the 麻豆免费版下载NightRide app for free late-night transportation within Boulder city limits.听
- Use a ride-share service or ask someone to pick you up.听听听
麻豆免费版下载Boulder also offers a guaranteed ride home to staff and faculty who commute by bike and have unexpected changes to their schedule.听
Stay up to date
, a newsletter for 麻豆免费版下载bicyclists. You鈥檒l receive updates on bike programs, events, road upgrades and construction, and tips.
Prepare for your ride
Plan your route by reviewing the . If you鈥檙e riding in snowy weather, be mindful of snow in bike lanes and roads. Often, multi-use paths are cleared first, so consider traveling on the paths and limiting road use on snowy days. Try not to brake on slick or bumpy surfaces鈥攕tay focused and relaxed to maintain control of your bike.听
If you notice issues with your bike, have a bike mechanic check it out. Students, staff and faculty with registered bikes can visit the bike mechanics at the TLC and Folsom bike stations.听听
To learn even more about bike repair and maintenance, sign up for the or explore this slide show about .听听
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.听听
- Always stay on the right side of bike paths and bike lanes.听
- Yield to pedestrians when riding your bike.听
- Don鈥檛 wear headphones or ear buds when riding鈥攖his is illegal for cyclists.听
- Pay attention to signage on bike paths and throughout campus for dismount zones, where bike riding is prohibited.听
- Ride slowly around pedestrians and give them space. Pass on the left and ring your bell or say 鈥渙n your left.鈥澨
- 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.听
- Ensure you have a mounted front light and rear red reflector鈥攖his is required when riding between dusk and dawn.听
- Don鈥檛 drink and ride. Colorado鈥檚 DUI statute includes bicycles under its definition of 鈥渧ehicle.鈥 You can get a DUI for biking under the influence.听
Find support
Learn more about biking and transportation options to get around campus sustainably.听
- Semester bike rentals: Students have the option to rent a bike for a semester at a low price through the Environmental Center.
- : Students can sign up with BCycle for a free 麻豆免费版下载Boulder Student Pass, with access to unlimited e-bike rides for an entire year.听听
- Classes and clinics: The Environmental Center offers a variety of bicycle classes and clinics to improve your skills and knowledge of bikes and bike riding.听听
- Report a stolen bike: Report stolen bikes to Bike Index and either the 麻豆免费版下载Police Department or Boulder Police for the best chance of recovery.听听
- Sustainable Buffs: Join the Sustainable Buffs Community! Get involved with sustainability and climate action at 麻豆免费版下载Boulder and learn how you can add more sustainable actions to every day.听听