Biking at WashU

Date: 03/26/2021

Written by: Lara Jennings, International Student and Scholar Advisor

Over the years, WashU has built a strong biking culture around campus. Through the efforts and resources of the Office of Sustainability, the “WashU Danforth Campus received a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly University award in recognition of the institution’s achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus”.

As warmer temperatures return, here are the top three things to know about biking on campus!

  1. Alternative Transportation! WashU strives to make bike commuting a reality! There are over 3,800 bike parking spaces around campus. Additionally, there are several miles of separated bike lanes and shared pedestrian/bike paths throughout the campus. Additionally, bike repair stations are scattered around the Danforth, West Campus and Medical Campus allowing riders to independently perform basic maintenance and repairs of their bikes. The Active Commuter Hub is a game change offering bike commuters access to showers, lockers and a bike parts vending machine conveniently on campus. Learn more about the Active Commuter Hub.
  2. Programming! Throughout the year the Office of Sustainability provides programming to riders of all biking levels. This includes making available safety gear such as bike bells, lights, ankle reflectors for free and helmets and U-Locks sold at an at-cost rate. Other programs include a Bike Registration program, safety classes, or bike repair classes. A full list of programs can be found on their website here.
  3. Bike Support! Bear Bikes is a student-run business located on the South 40 and offers 24/7 bike rentals, repairs and storage for a low cost. Bikes can be reserved online per semester and Bear Bikes will do repairs on any bikes whether you rent from them or not.