UW Commuter Services : Get to the UW : For Employees : Riding Your Bike to Campus

Riding Your Bike to Work or School

Planning Your Commute

Choosing a bike route

The Burke-Gilman Trail, a paved path that extends from Bothell to Ballard, runs directly through the UW. Several streets in the University District have adjacent bicycle lanes, including NE 40th Street and Brooklyn Avenue NE.

Getting a bike map

Taking your bike on the bus or on a vanpool

All buses and most vanpools have easy-to-load bike racks so you can pedal one way, or part way, and ride the bus or vanpool for the rest of your journey. Each bicycle rack holds two bikes. Bikes can be loaded and unloaded on Metro buses at any bus stop (except in the downtown Seattle Ride Free area from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

Reporting maintenance problems along your walking route

If you see a maintenance problem, please report it using the contacts below.

On-Campus?

For any problems on Central, South or East campuses
Phone 206.685.1411?
UW Mailbox 354285?
Maintenance Work Requests

If your request is an emergency please call 206.685.1411
For any problems near the UW Medical Center
UWMC Facilities Services Division
Phone 206.598.4911
UW Mailbox 356031

When requesting maintenance or repair service, be prepared to provide the following information:

name of building or address
exact location of work to be done (room number if possible)
name and telephone number of the requestor or a contact person
a description of the work to be done
an indication of the urgency (is this an emergency?)
a budget number (if a chargeable service)

Vehicles Parked on Sidewalk (or blocking crosswalks)
Call University parking enforcement 206.543.9008.

Information needed includes:

Nature of the violation
Location
Vehicle Description
License Plate Number

Reference: WAC 478-116-245 - "Obstructing traffic and pedestrian movement prohibited." No person shall stop, stand or park any motor vehicle so as to obstruct traffic along or upon any street nor to obstruct pedestrian movement on any plaza, path or sidewalk.

Off-Campus?

Burke-Gilman Trail: Parks Maintenance
City of Seattle streets (West Campus, and any facilities on your way to campus)
Crosswalks (Repainting) - 206.684.5116 ? if an existing crosswalk needs repainting
Curb Ramps - 206.684.5377 - curb ramps (wheelchair ramps) make it easier to cross streets that have concrete curbs and sidewalks. Priority is given to intersections with the greatest need.
Drainage
Overgrowth
Overgrowth on Private Property - 206.684.7899. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the planting strips on streets adjacent to private property and for cutting plant material growing from their property into sidewalk or street areas. The Department of Design, Construction and Land Use instructs property owners to cut grass or prune overgrowth when needed.
Overgrowth of trees on City right of way direct inquiries to the arborist- 206.615.0957
Sidewalks and Planting Strips - 206.684.5253 - sidewalks are the maintenance responsibility of the abutting property owners in most cases. If you find a raised portion of the walk, call, with the address, and city staff will investigate and notify the property owner to make repairs.
Vehicles Parked on Sidewalk (or blocking crosswalks)
- Call parking enforcement at the Seattle Police Department, 206.625.5011
Problems with city street lights: 206.684.3000, or e-mail your problem
Traffic Sign Repair or Replacement - 206.386.1206 - Includes stop signs, pedestrian signs, and warning signs.
Traffic Lights 206.684.7056 - or use the online form

Campus Regulations

Q. Can I get a speeding ticket on my bike?

The speed limit on campus roadways is 20 mph, and 15 mph on Columbia Road behind the UW Medical Center and Health Sciences. Any negligent riding is subject to a $25 citation.

Q. Who has the right of way, a pedestrian or a bicyclist?

The law requires cyclists to yield to a pedestrian giving audible warning of your presense. Look for for posted stop signs, yield signs and pedestrian signs. Speed limits must be obeyed. Typically, bicyclists should keep to the right and pass on the left.

Q.Can I receive a citation for riding in the Bike Walk Zone?

The HUB Lawn and environs are a Bike Walk Zone, which means that bikes are to be walked when pedestrians are present. Violators can be issued a $10 citation.

Q. When is it okay to ride on sidewalks?

Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks, except where posted: for example, the sidewalk on the west side of Stevens Way between the HUB bus zone and the Communications Building. But remember to ride where you are predictable. Pedestrians are not expecting you on the sidewalk and may overlook you as the approach a driveway or crosswalk.

Q. What areas on campus should I be more cautious when riding my bike?

Obey the "bicycle slow zone" sign at the approach to Drumheller Fountain between Johnson Hall and Mary Gates Hall.

Note: UW Police have the choice of citing you under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) or the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). If you are cited under an RCW, you are subject to a $47 ticket, and the citation goes on your driving record and may be reflected in your auto insurance rates. Tickets may be given to bicyclists who exceed campus speed limits, disobey posted signs or ride in a Bike Walk Zone during prohibited periods. For more information about local bicycle laws, visit Regulations for Bicycling and Driving with Bicyclists .

Ferry Registration Form

In addition to registering for HOV permits by mail, customers and vanpool formations specialists can now use the on-line HOV site to expedite the registration process. Register online for a bicycle permit. Credit cards are the accepted form of payment for online applications.