Office of Sustainability

All bicycles operated on campus must be registered annually with the Auburn University Parking Services Office (AUPS). The following information is needed to register a bike: brand, color, number of speeds, and serial number. See the chart for the most common places to find the serial number.

Bicycle permits are free of charge and offer the following benefits to cyclists:

• Acts as a visible theft deterrent; similar programs on other campuses have decreased bicycle thefts.
• Can potentially reduce costs to cyclists. Suppose your bicycle is registered and it is illegally parked or appears abandoned. In that case, AUPS can contact you directly in certain situations using the information provided during registration, rather than cutting the lock and impounding your bicycle. Proof of registration can also help you file an insurance claim on your stolen bike.
• Aids in theft recovery. AUPS can flag your bicycle as stolen, provide you with your serial number, and look for your bike on campus.

Registration is available online on the vehicle registration page under AU Access. The permit must be picked up in the AUPS office and placed on the bicycle where it is readily visible. After the second week of each Fall Semester, any bike parked on campus without a valid AU bicycle permit displayed will be removed and placed in the Auburn University Impound Lot at the owner’s expense. All bicycles impounded will be held by AUPS for 100 days, and if not claimed, turned over to the Department of Property Control for disposal.

Bicycles should be parked or stored at bicycle racks and should never be secured to stairwells or accessibility ramps. Most residence halls and classroom buildings have racks nearby. Bicycles may be stored inside in private spaces, but they can’t block doors, stairways, public areas, and egress routes. Bikes parked or secured outside of racks or private rooms may be cited and impounded. As a reminder, always lock your bicycle through the frame, not just the wheel or the fork, to deter theft.

If you notice a need for additional racks in a particular location, please submit a Cycling Feedback Report.

For Bicyclists

• Obey traffic rules for safety and to gain respect from motorists.
• Never ride against traffic. It is illegal and unsafe.
• Be predictable and make eye contact with motorists; be sure you are seen.
• Use front and rear lights, wear bright clothing, and always wear a helmet.
• Know the dangers of riding on the sidewalks.

For Motorists

• Cyclists have a right to the road. Be alert and patient.
• Check your mirrors. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Reduce speed when you approach a cyclist.
• Bicycles are vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way.
• Allow at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.

Sidewalks vs. Multi-Use Paths

 Riding a bicycle on sidewalks on campus and in the downtown area of the City of Auburn is prohibited because it’s dangerous. When traversing a sidewalk on your bike, follow these basic rules:

• Walk your bicycle. Dismount your bicycle and walk it through the sidewalk area.
• Check every cross street and driveway. Vehicles often pull across the sidewalk before entering traffic or turning into driveways without scanning very far down the sidewalk.

Multi-use pathways (10’+ wide) connect important campus and/or community destinations and are designed for pedestrians and bicyclists.

• Go slow. These paths are not designed for speeds faster than a slow jog.
• Always yield to pedestrians. Give audible warning when approaching pedestrians.

Auburn University partners with the City of Auburn, the City of Opelika, Auburn City Schools, Opelika City Schools, and the Lee-Russell Council of Governments to support the Travel with Care initiative.  Through a series of awareness campaigns and resources, the endeavor seeks to help pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and transit riders better understand how to safely participate in our transportation system.

If you want to brush up on being a smart cyclist, you can find a series of informative videos through the League of American Bicyclists.  These videos touch on everything from choosing and fitting a bike to properly riding a bike to safely interact on roads and trails.  They’re a great starting point for getting into cycling but also great refreshers on the fundamentals.

Alabama state law does not require cyclists over the age of 16 to wear a helmet; however, research has shown that wearing a helmet dramatically reduces the risks of brain injury and death for cyclists in accidents by up to 88%.  The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute provides information for consumers on helmet purchase and replacement, along with a helmet fitting guide.

Bikes, whether personal or rental, should be parked or stored at bicycle racks. You will find racks outside most residence halls and classroom buildings.  Due to safety concerns, bikes should not be secured to handrails or accessibility ramps. If you notice a need for a rack in a particular location, please submit a Cycling Feedback Report.

Self-service stations around campus enable cyclists to pump tires, tighten screws, and make other minor repairs.  If the station you visit needs maintenance, please report it via a Cycling Feedback Report.

When cycling in Alabama, you’re sure to work up a sweat.  If you need to shower after your commute, you can find available showers at the following on-campus locations:

• Campus Recreation & Wellness Center (members only)
• Facilities Management Building One
• Gorrie Center
• Information Technology Building
• Risk Management and Safety Building
• Shelby Center for Engineering Technology

In certain circumstances, only biking may not be your best commuting option.  With bike racks on all Tiger Transit buses, you can utilize both the bus and your bike to meet your commuting needs.  Consider the following pointers when loading and unloading your bike on transit.

The Auburn Flyers are the official club cycling team of Auburn University. The Flyers aim to promote cycling as both a hobby and sport through group rides, social events, and competitive race teams. The Flyers compete in mountain bike and road seasons as a part of the Southeastern Collegiate Cycling Conference.

The following campus and community members provide guidance and support for cycling efforts on campus. Please feel free to contact committee members with concerns, ideas, or stories of cycling successes on campus or reach out to sustain@auburn.edu or 844-7777.

Keli Berkman

Assistant Director, Auburn Outdoors

Ben Burmester

Campus Planner, Facilities Management

Brandy Ezelle

Traffic Engineer, City of Auburn

Jeffrey LaMondia

Associate Professor, Civil Engineering

Arishna Lastinger

Associate Director, Transportation Services

Susan McCallister

Director, Campus Safety & Compliance

Steve Nelson

Associate Director, Risk Management & Safety

Eric Smith

Director, Health Promotion & Wellness Services

Amy Strickland

Manager, Office of Sustainability