Active Transportation Initiatives

Active transportation is a popular practice as almost 30% of students take to the roads on foot and on wheels to get to class and other destinations. Active transportation helps to meet University climate goals in reducing vehicle emissions that harm our air quality, while encouraging commuters to utilize alternatives to driving alone. People who actively commute improve their personal health and reduce traffic congestion on surrounding roadways.

The League of American Bicyclists has honored the University with a Gold Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) designation in recognition of the institution’s achievements to promote safe, accessible bicycling on campus.

The University’s active transportation program is primarily responsible for:

Educational programming and events encouraging walking, biking, and rolling.
Infrastructure management to support safe and connected routes for non-motorized travel.
Developing and reporting active transportation data.
Planning and development review to ensure best practices and supportive facilities are considered in campus development and design standards.
Government relations with Salt Lake City, Utah Transit Authority, Utah Department of Transportation, and other transportation partners.

Transportation Equity

Planning & Infrastructure

Get Involved

Resources

Transportation is a basic need, the lack of which causes disparities in individual health, imposes significant costs, and prevents access to opportunities.

Through the U in Motion program, eligible students receive better access to transportation by receiving a refurbished bicycle and riding accessories. By committing to ride, students learn cycling skills and basic maintenance within a cohort. Events and other resources are tailored to their needs as budding or experienced cyclists.

Referral for participation in this program is provided through The Basic Needs Collective.

Spring Semester:

The referral window opens on Monday, February 5, 2024 and closes when we have reached capacity for the semester.

Fall Semester:

The referral window opens on September 1 and closes when we have reached capacity for the semester.

Visit The Basic Needs Collective website to view their in-person and virtual office hours for a referral.

The U in Motion program is a partnership with the Basic Needs Collective, Bike Utah, and the Campus Bike Shop.

Connected and safe networks that include built infrastructure like bikeways, crosswalks, secure parking andsignage are vital for accessing destinations on foot or on wheels. Since 2017, significant capital funding has been committed to filling gaps in the active transportation network and complete high priority projects of the Bicycle Master Plan, including the first University-owned Complete Street (Wasatch Drive). In 2019, a GIS inventory of all signage and pavement markings on university property was completed to assist U Facilities in establishing a budget and maintenance regime for these important physical assets. Twice a year, the program performs a census on parked devices (bicycles, scooters) on campus using student volunteers. This data determines parking utilization statistics to inform strategic improvements and transportation design requirements.

The University of Utah's Bicycle Master Plan is an addendum to the University Master Plan and outlays multiple physical improvements and programmatic changes to support bicycling to and on campus. Currently the University area supports 8 miles of signed bikeways and multiuse paths, with the majority of interior pathways shared by pedestrian and non-motorized devices like scooters, bicycles and skateboards. The Active Transportation manager monitors Master Plan implementation by displaying completed, in-progress and planned bicycle infrastructure projects using this public GIS resource.

The campus map can provide step by step walking directions, and lists active transportation amenities under the Transportation menu, including outdoor and secure parking areas, repair stations, bus stops and popular cycling routes.

The Sustainability Office partners with multiple departments to host annual events for students and staff. All events seek to educate and encourage safe bicycling, distribute educational resources, and strengthen our network of cyclists. Sign up for our office newsletter to stay updated on current happenings.

U Bike Week is held annually each September to educate and encourage safe bicycling, distribute resources, and strengthen our community of campus cyclists. Events during this week often include a Bike Fair, Campus Bike Ride, and Bikers’ Breakfast.

Daylight Savings bike light give away occurs each fall close to the time change. Free bike lights are provided to campus commuters to ensure safe bicycling after dark.

Winter is an excellent time to travel by bike – it’s great exercise and helps to keep our air clean by reducing harmful vehicle emissions. To support our campus cyclists, the Sustainability Office partners with various organizations to host a February fair to provide resources and gear to winter riders.

Clear the Air Challenge is an opportunity to join a statewide effort to improve air quality by choosing to ditch the car. The university forms teams to compete for the most alternative miles traveled.

Earth Week, celebrated every April, emphasizes the benefits of sustainable practices. The week-long festivities include active transportation events, among many others.

In May the University celebrates Bike Month. Established in 1956, Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more people to give biking a try.

Utah and Salt Lake City have bike laws that apply to all riders, including those on campus. The Campus Policyfor sidewalks applies additional safety regulations such as a 10-mph speed limit. While bike registration is not required, the UUPD recommends registering your bicycle to enable faster return of a bicycle in the event of a theft.

Watch this series of Smart Cycling videos and learn basic riding skills and rules for riding from the League of American Bicyclists.

If you witness a near-miss or want to report a sidewalk hazard, use this online form. If you witness or are involved a crash on a sidewalk, immediately call 911 and wait for first responders to file a report to document the incident.

Find your bicycling route to the University on the Salt Lake County Bikeways Map.

Students and staff receive great maintenance rates and tune-ups at Campus Bike Shop. The shop is located on the south end of campus, across from the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. Follow the link for up-to-date information on hours and services provided.

For further research about active transportation, follow the links below.