“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.”
John F Kennedy
Bicycling
Boise State University offers a huge amount of support and amenities for those who choose to ride bicycles. In fact, it is the recommended mode of transportation for everyone who wishes to frequent our beautiful campus! As such, we wish to offer as much information as possible for those of you who wish to take advantage of this superior form of travel. Riding a bicycle to and within the Boise State campus has many advantages over driving a car. For one, parking is not an issue. While we do our best to have convenient automobile parking for all Boise State students, guests, and faculty, the simple fact is that each driver will not always find the best parking space for their destination. But, with well over 1000 official bike “parking spaces” on campus, and a bike rack on nearly every corner, those who ride bikes can almost always park right next to their destination! Add that to the fact that bikes are great exercise, help preserve the environment, and save you money on gas and car expenses… well, you get the idea!
We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone who wants to ride a bicycle to Boise State University. Below, you will find find information and links which will help keep your bike transit safe and convenient.
Bike Racks/Parking
Boise State University has tons of bicycle parking! There are racks located at or near almost every building on campus. This allows students, faculty, and staff to ride free of worry that they will not be able to lock their bike up close to their class or office.
Bicycle theft and vandalism are real concerns on any college campus, and Boise State is no exception. Campus Security and Transportation & Parking Services personnel do their best to keep a watchful eye, but they can’t be everywhere at once.
The Bike Barn with two locations, one located inside the Brady Garage (University Drive between Earle and Brady streets) and one inside the Lincoln Garage (the corner of University Drive and Lincoln Avenue), the Bike Barn is a fenced-off area that can house more than 65 bikes. Only those who have registered for the Bike Barn have access, via a keycard entry gate. The Bike Barn keeps bikes out of inclement weather and the damage* and additional maintenance costs that go along with it.
The cost for access to the Bike Barns is $15 per semester. For more information, please contact us.
*Boise State University Transportation & Parking Services is not responsible for lost or stolen items in the Bike Barns.
Bicycle Safety
Transportation & Parking Services wants to remind you that, though bicycling has many advantages over driving, proper safety precautions MUST be followed. Always wear a helmet, be mindful of traffic, obey traffic rules, ensure visibility (via bright clothing, reflectors, and lights), and keep your bike maintained properly for maximum performance.
Table of Bicycle Deaths
Ninety-one percent of bicyclists killed in 2008 reportedly weren’t wearing helmets! (Statistics By: www.iihs.org) The following table compares bicycle deaths without a helmet to deaths with a helmet.
| Year | No Helmet Use Number | No Helmet User Percent | Helmet Use Number | Helmet Use Percent | Total (includes other and/or unknowns)
|
| 1998 | 741 | 98% | 16 | 2% | 757 |
| 1999 | 698 | 93% | 42 | 6% | 750 |
| 2000 | 622 | 90% | 50 | 7% | 689 |
| 2001 | 616 | 84% | 60 | 8% | 729 |
| 2002 | 589 | 89% | 54 | 8% | 663 |
| 2003 | 535 | 85% | 58 | 9% | 626 |
| 2004 | 602 | 83% | 87 | 12% | 722 |
| 2005 | 676 | 86% | 77 | 10% | 784 |
| 2006 | 730 | 95% | 37 | 5% | 769 |
| 2007 | 646 | 92% | 50 | 7% | 699 |
| 2008 | 653 | 91% | 58 | 8% | 714 |
Learn How to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet
Plan Your Route
Google Maps has the following features:
- Customized Bike Routes
- Includes the Greenbelt and Other Shortcuts
MapMyRide Website has the following features:
- Customized Bike Routes
- Listing of Recreational Rides in Your Area
- Fitness Training Log
- Boise State Bicycle Congress Routes
- Pre-planned Bike Routes from Many Local Areas
Maintenance Service & Training
Boise State’s Cycle Learning Center, Located in the Lincoln Ave. Garage provides the following services:
- Bike Repair
- Free Compressed Air 24-7
- Education
- Parts and Accessories
- Bike Rentals
- Boise State Bicycle Congress Repair Shops
- Listing of local repair shops
Bronco Biking Class offeres:
- A free bike-commuting class held on a weekly schedule
- Learn the rules of the road and the best safety practices
- Not just for cyclists. Anyone is welcome to attend and learn
- Can be used for a citation reduction
Recreational Services
Boise State University Rec Center – Locker and Towel Service provides the following services:
- Showers, Lockers, and Towels for After Your Ride
- Extremely Low Prices
Boise State University Rec Center – Retail Desk offers the following:
- Water, Powerade, Workout Food, Apparel, etc.
- Located Just Within the Rec Center Front Doors
Ridge to Rivers has the following:
- Recreational Biking and Hiking Trail Maps
- Information About Local Wilderness Rides
MapMyRide Routes has a listing of Local Recreational Rides
Policies and Regulations
Idaho State Policies and Resources includes:
- Links to Bike-Related Idaho Policies
- News About Local Bike Resources
Idaho’s Bicycle Laws