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Bikes, Scooters and Active Transportation

Both the Evanston and Chicago campuses are readily accessible by public transportation and designated bike lanes and paths, and offer amenities such as Bike Sharing stations, repair stations, and ample parking. Please be mindful of pedestrian and vehicular traffic while navigating the campus pathways, and familiarize yourself with where parking is and is not allowable.

Parking

Riders are highly encouraged to lock and secure their bikes, scooters, and other devices at all times. Designated storage areas, including racks and storage rooms, are provided around campus. A map of available racks on the Evanston campus can be found below. See bike rack locations on the Chicago campus.

Restrictions

Bikes, scooters, and other devices are not to be brought into University academic or administrative buildings, and under no circumstances are to be secured to railings, stairwells, handicapped access ramps, posts, or benches, or in a location blocking pedestrian traffic. These devices will be subject to immediate removal and relocation, which may require cutting the lock. The University is not responsible for any associated costs, damages, or loss. Fees and proof of ownership may be associated with their recovery.

To read the complete Northwestern University student bicycle policy, see the Student Handbook.

Abandoned Bikes

To ensure that riders can safely store their bikes while on campus, please accommodate fellow cyclists by removing your bike from bike racks in a timely fashion. The bicycle racks on campus are intended for short-term bike parking. Bikes displaying signs of significant neglect, such as a rusted chain, bent or flat tires, or missing parts will be tagged with a purple “Notice of Violation” and are subject to removal. 

Retrieving Bikes

If you believe your bike has been removed, please contact Facilities Customer Service at 847-491-5201 or facilities@northwestern.edu. You may be asked to provide details about the bike, time and location. Fees and proof of ownership may be associated with recovery of the bike. Note that Facilities will hold a removed bike for 30 days before donating to a local partner.

Bike Donations

Northwestern University partners with local non-profits to donate abandoned and unwanted bikes. More than 1,000 have been bikes donated since 2011. Our partnerships currently include Working Bikes and Recyclery.

No longer need or want your bike? Donate it! Please contact Facilities Management Customer Service, 847-491-5201 or facilities@northwestern.edu and we can pick up your bike at no charge.

Additional Resources for Cyclists

Bike Registration with NUPD

We encourage you to register your bike with the Northwestern University Police Department (NUPD), as registered bikes are much easier to identify and recover should they be stolen or removed. Please complete your free bike registration.

If you register your bike with NUPD, you can purchase a U-shaped Kryptonite lock at a discounted price at either campus:

  • Evanston Campus Parking Office: 1841 Sheridan Road
  • Chicago Campus Police Department: 211 E Superior Street

Bike Repair on Campus

The Evanston campus has several bike repair stations where you can pump up your tires, adjust your seat height, brake cables, or derailleurs, change out a tire, put on a basket, or grease the chain. Please contact Facilities Management Customer Service, 847-491-5201 or facilities@northwestern.edu for more information, or if you visit a bike repair station in need of maintenance.

Divvy Bike Sharing

Divvy is a bicycle sharing system provided through a partnership between Northwestern and the City of Evanston.

Divvy offers $10 off annual membership to NU faculty and staff. Students can sign you for just $75 annually. Visit Divvy's WildCARD Advantage page here for details.

Bike Safety

Northwestern University Police offer safety and security tips on its website. 

“Student Cycling in Chicago” booklets are also available at the Northwestern University Police stations, the Norris Center and Student Affairs (Scott Hall – basement).