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Bike to Campus

Riding a bicycle to work is a commuting option that can have economic, environmental, and health benefits.

Bikes on Shuttles

All Northwestern shuttles have bike racks on them, making shuttle riding and biking a great option.

Safety

View the University Police web page on bicycle safety.

Bicycle Registration

Bicycle registration is strongly recommended for everyone who bikes on campus. Along with a good lock and proper locking technique, it is also the easiest way to keep your bicycle safe.

Northwestern has partnered with 529 Garage to provide free, easy, and fast registration.

After registering their bike, current Northwestern faculty, staff and students are eligible to receive a free helmet and light with presentation of an active Wildcard. Simply fill out the Bike Helmet Request Form. After completing the online bike helmet form, you will need to bring your Wildcard and 529 Garage registration confirmation to the Evanston or Chicago campus Parking Office to receive your helmet and light. Once you have your helmet, review The League of American Bicyclists’ Bike Helmets web page for tips on how to correctly adjust your helmet for the safest fit.

Bike Locks for Sale

ABUS U-Lock bike locks are available for purchase by University faculty, staff, and students with presentation of an active Wildcard. Two sizes are available: large 9" U-Lock for $67 and small 5.5" U-Lock for $50.  Locks can be purchased from the Parking Offices located in Evanston (1841 Sheridan Road, Segal Visitors Center) or Chicago (710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Abbott Hall). 

Bicycle Parking

All bikes on campus must be parked at a bike rack. For bicycle rack locations, please refer to these maps for Evanston and Chicago. The Evanston campus has over 100 racks, and the Chicago campus offers racks and a secure bike room.

Locking your bike to a fence, street light pole, or street sign pole can add to sidewalk congestion and present safety issues. Similarly, locking your bike on a building ramp will constrict access, impacting the safety of those who need to use the ramp and handrails. Bikes that are not parked properly or that pose a safety issue may be removed by the University.

Divvy Bike Share

Divvy is the bike share system serving the City of Chicago and Evanston and is a great alternative to owning a bike. There are a multitude of docking stations on and around both the Evanston and the Chicago campuses.  Divvy offers discounted annual memberships to University students, faculty, and staff. Visit the Divvy Bike Share Wildcard Advantage page for discount details.

Shower Facilities

Both campuses offer free shower facilities for those who bike to campus. The facilities in Evanston are in a restricted area so you need to register with Transportation Services in order to use them. Simply email Transportation Services to register. In Chicago, facilities are available at the Lake Shore Chicago Park District Fitness Center at 808 N. Lake Shore Drive. Visitors must sign in at the front desk. Showering privileges are available year round except during the Fitness Center’s six weeks of summer camps and when the Fitness Center is closed for holidays.

Note: Showering privileges do not give anyone permission to access other parts of the Fitness Center unless they are a member of Chicago Park District or have a Northwestern intramural card.

Repair Stations

Both campuses now offer repair stations, including tire pumps. Please refer to these maps for Evanston and Chicago for repair station locations.

Other Resources

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