Bicycling at Georgia Tech

Bicycles on a bike rack

Georgia Tech encourages bicycling to and throughout campus as a healthy, convenient, and low-cost form of transportation. Students, faculty and staff can bike each semester to traverse the campus and surrounding areas while reducing traffic congestion on area streets. See below for bicycling options:

Bike & Scooter Safety Classes

Relay Bikeshare

Bike Security

 

Tips for Riding Safely

Bike Registration

Starter Bikes

Fix-It Stations

Bicycle and Scooter Safety Classes

Person riding on a bike

Georgia Tech offers online Ride Smart bicycle and scooter, safety classes as a collaboration of GTPD, PTS, and the Campus Recreation Center. In this 12 minute class, you can learn how to share the road safely, laws regarding riding on and around campus, general equipment set up, and maintenance. Classes are open to all Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff. No pre-registration is required to participate, and persons that complete the class can receive a free helmet after taking a short quiz.

 

Ride Smart Online Bike/Scooter Safety Classes

Relay - Atlanta Bikeshare

bike rack with rental bikes

Relay Bikeshare is the City of Atlanta's official bike-share provider, and Georgia Tech has several stations! Approximately 60 bicycles are available at six locations on campus for short term rental - check the Relay website or app for the station/bike availability map. Monthly membership for the GT community is $10.00 and includes 90 minutes of daily ride time. The campus stations are part of the citywide network of 65 stations and 500 bikes; bikes may be picked up and dropped off at any stations throughout the city.

Bike Rooms in Dalney and Tech Square Parking Decks

The Dalney (W22) and Tech Square (E81) parking decks feature secure, covered bike parking for commuters. Students, faculty, and staff have access to the bike rooms via BuzzCard.

The Dalney room is accessed via Dalney Street and also has a fix-it station. The Tech Square room is accessed via the pedestrian entrance on William Street. Bikes should be secured to the racks by their frames, not by the wheels or other removable parts; U-locks are recommended.

There are no fees to enter, however, bikes are required to be registered via GTPD. Bikes that remain in the room longer than 30 days may be removed. For further info please email commute@gatech.edu.

How to Lock Your Bike

Drawing of yellow bike locked to a bike stand

  • Use a U-lock. U-locks offer the best theft deterrence, as they better resist prying and cutting than a cable. U-locks are available at Starter Bikes.
  • Lock your bike to a rack, as they are designed to deter theft. Do not lock to an object that can be moved or cut. Bikes locked to objects other than racks may be impounded.
  • Secure lock through frame or rear triangle; do not lock through wheels or any part attached with a quick release.
  • Do not leave any free or easily detachable parts, such as headlights or bags, on the bike.
  • Avoid leaving bicycles locked outside overnight.

 

GTPD Bike Security Video

Riding Safely

Drawing of yellow bike helmet

We care about bicyclists' safety! To ensure that Georgia Tech is safe for you and other travelers, please note the following:

  • Bicycles are defined as vehicles in Georgia, with the same rights and responsibilities on public roads as motor vehicle drivers. Always obey stop signs and signals.
  • Bicyclists should stay as far to the right side of the road as practicable, but may use the whole lane when necessary - if road conditions are poor, if the lane is too narrow to share the lane safely, or when turning left.
  • Motor vehicle drivers must provide at least three feet of safe passing distance when following or overtaking a bicyclist.
  • Ride predictably! Ride in a straight line, don't weave. Signal your intentions by extending either arm.
  • Be visible! Use lights and reflectors. Georgia law requires at least a white front light and red rear light or reflector when riding at night. High visibility clothing is also important.
  • Use a helmet! Make sure it fits snugly and is secured. Helmets are available in the PTS office for $12. We'd like to see all cyclists on campus wearing one! Click here for more information on helmet sales.
  • Never assume a motorist sees you. Make eye contact. Proceed cautiously through intersections. Pay attention- no earbuds, no phone!

Additional information may be found in Georgia Bikes' Bicyclist Pocket Guide, available online below and in hard copy at the PTS office.

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Bicyclist Pocket Guide

Bike Registration

The Institute recommends that students, faculty and staff register their bikes with the Georgia Tech Police Department. This enables the GTPD to identify the bike and contact the customer in the event that the bicycle is recovered after being lost or stolen. To inquire about stolen bikes, please contact the GTPD at 404-894-2500.

Bike Registration

Starter Bikes Bike Shop

Starter Bikes is a collaborative project between Georgia Tech’s Students Organizing for Sustainability and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition. Volunteers refurbish abandoned and donated bikes into low-cost, entry-level bicycles for students and community members in need of inexpensive yet reliable transportation. The program can be beneficial for people who would like to try biking without investing much money.  Starter Bikes also provides free access to tools so customers can repair their own bikes.

Starter Bikes is open Fridays from 4-6pm and are located at the bottom of the CRC parking deck. Volunteers are available to provide mechanical expertise. For more information, visit Starter Bikes on Facebook.

Starter Bikes Info

Fix-it Stations and Air Pumps

Dero Fixit public bike repair stations are located throughout campus. Most units have pumps (with universal heads for both Schrader and Presta tire tube valves) and they all have a variety of tools for use in on-the-go repairs. Fix-it station locations are shown the GT campus map. All outdoor bike repair facilities are free for all to use!

Side-by-side photos of bike pumps on campus

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Pump Head Usage Guide