Bicycles
Bike Safety Programs
Bike Registration
Western has partnered with Bike Index, who offer a nation-wide registry that allows the University, Community Members, and law enforcement to get your bike back to you if it is stolen. Students and staff are welcome to register their bike.
Cable Lock Swap
Beginning fall 2023 Transportation Services in partnership with the Outdoor Center have provided a lock swap program free of charge, allowing students to swap their low-security cable locks for higher-security u-locks.
Bike Theft Guide
Had your bike stolen?
We can help!
When your bike is stolen your first step should always be to report the theft to local law enforcement. They can help in retrieving your bike as often they are the first to spot abandoned bicycles. When reporting a theft make sure that you have all relevant information ready including location and timeframe of theft, bike serial number, make and model, etc..
You can report the theft to Western police at their non-emergency line if your bike was stolen on campus or in Bellingham:
If your bike was stolen off campus, it is recommended that you also report the theft to Bellingham polices non-emergency line:
Your next step should be to add your bike to Bike Index, a national data base that helps in retrieving stolen bikes. When registering, ensure you include a photo of you bike as this makes recovery much easier. Instructions on registration are below.
Bike Quick Start Guide
Bike Maps
Trying to plan your next bike route in campus or beyond? Use these bike maps to find the safest and most efficient route.
Red Square, the Performing Arts Center overlook, and the area between Carver Gym and Fine Arts are walk zones for bikes between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when class is in session.
Tips for Commuting
Bellingham has lots of bike lanes and trails to get around on bike. The City of Bellingham is a Gold level Bicycle Friendly Community and Western Washington University is a Silver level Bicycle Friendly University. Learn more about getting around town here.
Find routes to and from your neighborhood to WWU.
Lock Your Bike
We recommend all riders lock their bikes using a u-lock along with a cable or a high-quality chain lock to assure both the frame and at least the front wheel are secured to a rack.
Ride Safely
Riding in the evening or night? Purchase a set of bike lights to make sure you are seen. The AS Outdoor Center Bike Shop on campus sells lights at a low cost, as well as other local shops.
Bike Maintenance and Additional Resources
Is something not working right on your bike? Take it to the Outdoor Center to get help diagnosing what’s wrong, learn tips and tricks from experienced bicycle technicians, and gain access to a full shop of tools at a low cost. If you aren’t interested in doing it yourself, Bellingham has many local bike shops too.
Have any other bike related questions? This page might be able to help!
Track Your Trips
Whatcom Smart Trips allows you to track your trips to work or school for discounts at local business and a chance to win cash prizes up to $1000. They also offer free classes if you want to learn to ride a bike or get more comfortable riding on the street.
Additional Resources
Monthly Newsletter Signup
Interested in getting monthly updates on WWU Bike events and programs? Sign up for our newsletter!
Western Is Rated Silver!
Since 2021, Western Washington University has been rated as a silver-level Bicycle Friendly University. This means that Western has a high level of infrastructure, amenities and programming to support people who ride bicycles. The League of American Bicyclists is a national organization that sets standards for cities, universities, and businesses to create places that are more welcoming to bicyclists.
Request an Improvement or Report a Problem
To suggest a bike improvement or report a problem on campus, email fixit@wwu.edu. For issues in the City of Bellingham, use SeeClickFix or email askpw@cob.org.