Bike Information & Resources for New Undergrads

Bicycling is ideally suited to Stanford's mild climate and flat terrain. Riding a bike is the fastest way to get around—there is capacity to park over 12,000 bikes on the campus. You don't need a car; the Marguerite shuttle, Zipcar (carsharing), Enterprise Rent-A-Car and other options are available for trips not suited to cycling.

Bicycle Safety, Bike Registration, and How to Avoid a Citation

SprocketMan, ambassador for bike safety, with student biker
  • Follow all traffic laws. Bicyclists are expected to comply with the same traffic laws as automobile drivers and may be ticketed if they do not.
  • To avoid a citation, stop at all stop signs, ride in the direction of traffic, use a light at night, and always yield to pedestrians on shared pathways.
  • Register your bike—it's $3.50, valid for up to 3 years and all new students receive a free bike headlight, rear strobe light and reflective legband.
  • It is required by law in Santa Clara County for the bike to be registered.
  • Register your bike at our Parking & Transportation Services office Monday through Friday or at White Plaza on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Know all the rules of the road and always wear a helmet while riding, even for short trips. See rules of the road on our Bike Safety Flyer.

Want to keep your bike? Lock it up the right way!

Photo of bicycles locked to bike rack
  • Lock your bike with a U-shaped lock, not a cable lock that can be easily cut.
  • Always lock your bike to a bike rack when possible; lock the frame and wheel to the bike rack.
  • Do not park your bike and block entryways or stairs or lock to railings; your bike can be impounded for impeding access.
  • If you lose your bike lock key, call the Campus Bike Shop at 650. 723.9300 to have the lock cut (for a fee).
  • If your bike is stolen or lost, contact Public Safety, non-emergency number, 650.723.9633.

Bike Resources, Events and Activities on Campus

White Plaza Safety Stations
  • Free Bike Safety Road Shows for your dorm or organization. Sprocket Man joins us to review bike safety tips, demo how to lock a bike, show proper helmet fit, and more. Includes free bike tune-ups! Book a show now: email bike-information@stanford.edu.
  • Register your bike and receive free bike safety information and ID cards.
  • White Plaza Bike Safety Stations hosted every Friday at White Plaza, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Parking & Transportation Services offers free bike safety information, bike registration, assistance with bike routes to and from the campus.

Alternative Transportation Information & Resources

Biker lifting bike onto bus bike rack