Bicycles

2025-2026 bike permit sales will begin July 28th, 2025.
Bike permit waitlists open on August 4th, 2025.
Annual Permit valid dates: 8/18/2025 - 8/16/2026.

Bicycles

A healthy, sustainable, and convenient alternative to driving.

Download 529 Registration app


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.

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).

 

Create Your Account


Download the 529  or visit project529.com and register using your personal email and phone number.

Bike Details & Add Photos


Add your bike’s serial number (usually under the bottom bracket), make, model, color, and upload at least one photo of your bike, this helps with recovery.

When prompted for a Shield ID, select “Skip.” You’ll enter it after picking up your sticker.

Verify Your Email


Check your inbox and confirm your email to complete registration.

Pick Up & Link 529 Shield


Visit any open Bike Valet location or the PTS office to pick up your free, tamper-resistant 529 Shield ID sticker. Once you receive your Shield, log in to your 529 account and enter the Shield ID to complete registration.

Pick Up Your Registration (529 Shield ID)

After registering your bike:

  • Bring your bike and CatCard to any open Bike Valet location to receive your free, tamper-resistant 529 Shield.
  • If Bike Valet is not yet open for the semester, you can pick up your Shield ID sticker at the Parking & Transportation office.
  • Once you receive your Shield, log in to your 529 account and enter the 7-character Shield ID to complete your registration.

Explore Project 529 Garage

 


IMPORTANT
Your bike isn't linked to the University system until you pick up and activate your Shield.
 

Already have a Shield?
Log in, go to the “Register” menu, and select University of Arizona to link your bike.

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.
 

 Register your bicycle now 

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.

bike valet

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.

enclosure

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. Lockers and 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.

bike locker

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.

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.

Campus Bicycle Repair Station

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
selfservice

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

Bike rentals and outdoor adventure programs are available through Outdoor Recreation at the Student Rec Center.

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.

Image
cat wheels logo

How to Sign Up:

  • Visit a Cat Wheels location with your CatCard.
  • On your first visit, sign a Bicycle loan agreement Form (print form in advance or complete on-site).
  • Future checkouts only require your CatCard, no paperwork needed.

What’s Included: (All items must be returned in good condition)

  • High-quality U-lock
  • Key
  • Attachable lights
  • Helmets available upon request

Checkout Locations: 
(Bicycles are first-come, first-served; no reservations)

  • 2nd Street Garage (Cashier Booth)
  • 6th Street Garage (Dispatch Window)

Loan Terms:

  • One business day per checkout
  • Return to same checkout location
  • Renewals possible based on availability

Late Returns & Fees:

  • $10 late fee per day, up to replacement cost
  • Bikes not returned after 7 days are reported to campus police
  • Replacement costs charged via student bursar or employee payroll deduction

Tugo City Bikeshare

Convenient one-way bike sharing for campus and nearby areas with dock-at-any-station flexibility.

Image
Tu-go-logo

How to Sign Up:

  • Purchase discounted annual membership ($40 for U of A students, faculty, staff)
  • Receive activation code and instructions within 2 business days
  • Membership valid for 365 days from activation

What’s Included:

  • Unlimited 30-minute rides for a year
  • Access to 330 bikes at 36 stations on and near campus
  • Flexible returns at any Tugo station
  • Use CycleFinder app or membership card for access
people walking away with bikes

Employee Bike to Work Program 

University of Arizona faculty and staff who commute to campus by bicycle are eligible to use locker and shower facilities at the Campus Recreation Center free of charge.

To activate access for the upcoming academic semester, please complete the Bike to Work Program Registration Form.

Registration Form

 

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:

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.

Sharing the Streets with Streetcars

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:

  1. Report it to UAPD (University of Arizona Police Department)

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)
  1. Report it to Tucson Police Department (TPD)
  2. 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.