Bicycling is a healthy, sustainable, and convenient alternative to driving—whether you're commuting to campus or getting around once you're here. Parking & Transportation Services (PTS) offers a variety of resources to support and encourage biking, including free Bike Valet parking, secure storage options, repair stations, and shared bike programs. PTS Bike Programs aim to offer an affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly alternative to driving to campus. This page includes everything you need to ride safely and confidently on campus, from registration and repair to commuting incentives, bike share options, and theft prevention tools. Explore the sections below to find the programs and services that work best for you.
Explore Bike Programs and Services
Register Your Bike For Free
Registering your bike with PTS is free, quick, and required to access campus amenities like Bike Valet, Bicycle Lockers, and Enclosures. Thanks to our partnership with Project 529 Garage, you can register and protect your bike with a unique Registration Tag (529 Shield).
Why You Should Register Your Bike
Required for access to valet, lockers, and enclosures.
Helps recover your bike in case of theft.
Free registration with your CatCard.
On-Campus Bike Parking Options
Whether you're looking for quick, free valet service or long-term secure storage, the University offers multiple ways to park your bike safely and conveniently. Explore valet, locker, and enclosure options to find what works best for you.
IMPORTANT: All bikes must be registered with PTS before using a bike storage option. Do not leave valuables on your bicycle. PTS is not responsible for theft or damage to bikes left after hours. Bikes are parked at the owner's risk.
Valet Parking
Monitored and free parking. No lock required.
How it works:
Register your bike.
- Check your bike in with a Bike Valet attendant.
- You will be issued a numbered brass tag.
- Return the tag to pick up your bike.
Cost: Free
Locations: Nugent Building and Warren Bike Path
Valet Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:45 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(Closed on holidays, summer and winter break)
Important: Bikes left after 6 p.m. will be temporarily confiscated and may incur a fee. Lost tags have a $10 fee. No tipping allowed.
Enclosures
Shared secure bike room with unique key code.
How to rent:
- Register your bike, then purchase a permit online through the Parking Account Portal.
- Choose “Bike Enclosure” under “Alternative Transportation” and select your preferred location.
- Access code will be emailed within 1–2 business days.
Cost: $35/year
Location: UArrive interactive map
Enclosure Hours: 24/7
Important: Use a U-lock inside the enclosure. Enclosures are intended for all bicycles (including cargo bikes and electric bikes) as long as they fit safely and do not block access. Motorcycles and mopeds are not permitted.
Lockers
Weather & key protected private storage space.
How to rent:
- Register your bike, then purchase a permit online through the Parking Account Portal.
- Choose “Bike Locker” under “Alternative Transportation” and select your preferred location.
- Pick up your key at the PTS office within 1–2 business days.
Cost: $100/year
Location: UArrive interactive map.
Locker Hours: 24/7
Important: Lost or unreturned locker keys will incur a $180 replacement fee. Each locker holds one standard size bike.
Each locker box has two triangular interior spaces. The interior space for each locker space measures approximately 46" high, 72" deep, and 31" wide at opening and 6" wide at rear.
Enclosure and Locker Permit Details
When all permits for a particular location are sold out, a waitlist is created for that location. Individuals can add themselves to the waitlist through the Parking Portal. Once a parking space becomes available at that location, an email notification will be sent with instructions for purchase or exchange. Once a waitlist reaches its capacity, the waitlist will close.
Waitlist Schedule
Early May
Waitlist opens for current permit holders for the upcoming permit year.
End of May
Waitlist closes for current permit holders.
Late July
Waitlist opens for all users.
April
Waitlist closes for all users and list is purged in preparation for the next permit year.
Need to change your parking permit location? Depending on the time of year, there are different ways to request an exchange. If the waitlist is closed or you're looking to switch during the renewal period, follow the steps below to check availability and initiate the process. All exchanges are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. If your new permit costs more than your current permit, you'll have to pay the difference. If it costs less, you'll receive a refund.
Permit Exchanges During Closed Waitlist
If the waitlist is closed but you wish to exchange your current permit for an available location:
- Check availability on the PTS parking portal.
- If your desired location is available, email transportation@arizona.edu with the subject line: "Exchange to (desired location)."
- A Customer Relations team member will contact you to:
- Confirm cancellation of your current permit.
- Provide permission to return to the parking portal and purchase the new permit.
Renewal Period Exchanges (Current Permit Holders)
In May, current permit holders can request exchanges for the upcoming permit year. To request a permit exchange:
- Renew and purchase your current permit. Employees using Payroll Deduction can skip this step.
- Join the waitlist for your desired location before the last business day in May.
- If a space becomes available, you'll receive an email notification with instructions.
- You must complete the exchange by the specified deadline. Missed deadlines forfeit the permit, which will be offered during Open Sales in July.
Permit prices and refunds are prorated bi-weekly at approximately 4%. Prorated pricing is displayed online at the point of purchase. For an exact refund amount, contact Customer Service at (520) 626-7275 or email transportation@arizona.edu.
To cancel your permit, email transportation@arizona.edu with:
- Subject Line: Permit Cancellation Request
- Include your Parking Location, ID number, and NetID
A Parking Services specialist will follow up to complete your cancellation.
Need Help with a Bike Lock?
If your bike lock is stuck or you’ve lost your key, PTS offers courtesy lock-cutting services for individuals who can provide proof of bike ownership. To schedule assistance, please contact PTS Dispatch at (520) 621-1108.
Bike Repair & Maintenance Services on Campus
Keep your bike in top shape with free and convenient repair options right on campus. Whether you need expert help or prefer to do it yourself, we’ve got you covered with staffed repair services during the academic year and self-service stations available 24/7. View all locations on here.
Free Repair Station
Get free bike help by trained student mechanics during the academic year at the UofA Mall, in front of the Koffler Building (east of Nugent Bike Valet).
Hours:
Mon–Fri, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
(Closed during summer, winter breaks, and holidays)
Free Services:
- Bike registration
- Tire inflation and flat fixes
- Brake, seat, and handlebar adjustments
- Cycling maps and event info
Fee-Based Service:
- Install your bike part for $5 (you provide the part)
- Parts available at Campus Rec Bike Shop or local shops
Self-Service Repair Stations
Fix your bike anytime with free self-service stations located around campus. Available 24/7. These repair stations were made possible through a partnership with the Office of Sustainability,
Locations:
- Honors Village at Mabel Street
- Main Library (near “Bear Down” sign)
- Santa Cruz Residence Hall (Highland Ave)
- Coronado Residence Hall Bike Path
Tools Available:
- Air pump
- Tire levers
- Allen wrenches (2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm)
- Box wrenches (8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 32mm)
- T25 Torx wrench
- Phillips and flat head screwdrivers
Rent a Bike
The University of Arizona offers two easy, affordable bike rental options, Cat Wheels, a free daily loan program for students and employees, and Tugo, a convenient citywide bikeshare with flexible station-to-station rides.
Cat Wheels Bikeshare Program
Free daily loan program for University of Arizona students and employees to get around campus safely and sustainably.
Tugo City Bikeshare
Convenient one-way bike sharing for campus and nearby areas with dock-at-any-station flexibility.
Campus Recreation
PTS offers two convenient options for bike rentals on campus: Cat Wheels and Tugo Bike Share. In addition, the University of Arizona also provides bike rentals and outdoor adventure programs through Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Rec program. Semester and year-long rentals are available, which may be a great fit for riders looking for longer-term solutions.
Reporting a Lost/Stolen Bicycle
Keeping your bicycle secure on campus is a shared responsibility. PTS is here to help guide you through the next steps for missing, potentially impounded, or stolen bicycles. This section provides important information on how to report a lost or stolen bicycle, what to do if your bike has been impounded, and tips to help prevent theft in the future. Use the dropdown menus below to find the resources and guidance you need.
Parking & Transportation Services is responsible for enforcing bicycle parking policies on campus. Bicycles may be impounded if they are parked improperly or considered abandoned. A bicycle is considered abandoned if it meets two or more of the following conditions:
- Missing seat
- Flat or damaged tires
- Rusted chain
- Frame damage
If a bicycle is identified as potentially abandoned, PTS will place a warning tag on it and provide at least two weeks' notice before impoundment. Impounded bicycles are held for 45 days. If not claimed, they are transferred to the Arizona Surplus Department.
If you believe your bike has been impounded or is missing, please complete a Lost Bicycle Form. If your bicycle is registered with 529 Garage, include this information in your submission.
If your bicycle has been stolen, take the following steps:
- Report it to UAPD (University of Arizona Police Department)
- File a report online: UAPD Online Reporting
- Or call the non-emergency line: (520) 621-8273
Provide the following information:
- Time and location of the theft
- 529 Shield ID (if registered)
- Bike serial number
- Make, model, and color
- Type of lock used (U-lock or cable)
- Report it to Tucson Police Department (TPD)
- File a report online: TPD Online Reporting
- Or call (520) 791-4444 (non-emergency)
- Update Your 529 Profile
- Log in to your 529 Garage account
- Mark your bicycle as stolen in your profile
- Follow instructions for submitting a missing bicycle alert
- Lock Your Bicycle Properly
- Use a U-bolt style lock to secure the frame and front wheel to a rack.
- Use a cable lock for the rear wheel.
- Never lock just the wheel or the frame alone.
- Use Secure Bicycle Parking
- Take advantage of the free Bike Valet service.
- Rent a bicycle locker or enclosure for added protection.
- Check with your building manager or RA to see if your residence offers secured bike storage.
- Never take your bicycle into a building, secure to railings, or store in stairwells - doing so poses a serious fire safety hazard. If found, bicycles are subject to immediate impoundment and/or citation.
- Register Your Bicycle
- Registration is free and strongly recommended.
- The 529 Shield ID sticker improves your chances of recovering a stolen bike.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Accommodation Policy
The University of Arizona’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation Policy provides a framework to strengthen campus connectivity, support active transportation, and uphold the University’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Developed by Parking & Transportation Services (PTS), this policy aligns with the University's growth goals and promotes the development and maintenance of safe, accessible bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
This policy outlines the University's vision to:
- Support students, faculty, staff, and visitors who travel by foot or bicycle
- Promote sustainable alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle use
- Reduce demand for parking and vehicle infrastructure
- Improve health, safety, and environmental outcomes for the campus community
To encourage safe, well-utilized, and convenient pedestrian and bicycle networks, the University integrates active transportation planning into all relevant design and infrastructure decisions. These principles are guided by key campus planning documents, including:
- Comprehensive Campus Plans (2003, 2009)
- U of A Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2012)
- Campus Planning and Urban Design Guidelines
The University is committed to going beyond minimum standards by incorporating best practices in the design and planning of transportation systems.
The following actions guide infrastructure decisions for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations:
- Design with purpose: Consider bicyclist and pedestrian needs at the early planning stage of all transportation-related campus projects.
- Follow best practices: Use national and local design guides such as:
- NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide
- AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities
- FHWA Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide
- Arizona Department of Transportation publications
- Enhance campus gateways: Collaborate with the City of Tucson to improve off-campus bike route connections.
- Adopt complete streets principles: Integrate policies that support long-term investment in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
- Expand bike infrastructure: Use bike lanes, boulevards, shared lane markings, and clear signage to strengthen bike networks.
- Increase end-of-trip facilities: Ensure there are sufficient and accessible bike racks, lockers, and showers.
Improve pedestrian pathways: Maintain and widen sidewalks and design routes based on observed foot traffic patterns.
While this policy focuses on design and engineering, the University also supports bicyclists and pedestrians through: Education, Enforcement, Evaluation, and Encouragement.
These efforts reinforce the University’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all campus commuters.
Additional Safety Resources
Explore tools and information to support a safer and more convenient cycling experience on campus. Learn about bike safety education programs, discover tips for reducing theft risks, and access the City of Tucson’s Safe Routes map to plan the most secure and efficient paths for your ride.
Find practical bike safety tips, including how to ride responsibly, stay visible, and navigate Arizona’s roads safely.
Discover practical, step‑by‑step methods for locking your bike effectively, including classic secure setups, the Sheldon method, and using one or two locks depending on your situation.
View the interactive Tucson Metro Bike Map to plan safe, bike-friendly routes across the city and campus.