Bicycle Friendly University

Portland State University | Gold Level

University Highlights: Portland State University (PSU) has made significant investments in supporting and encouraging the use of bicycles, particularly as transportation. In particular, PSU's investment in the Bike Hub represents a bold commitment to supporting bicycling. Where most universities either offer funding to a purely student volunteer bike shop or simply lease space to a local private bike shop, PSU has broken the mold by fully funding a unique and high-profile bicycle facility aimed at meeting its specific goals for increasing ridership and serving its community. The PSU Bike Hub is now a 2000 sq ft, on-campus repair shop expressly designed to service the PSU Community. The focus of the Bike Hub is to teach basic bicycle repair and maintenance techniques that will keep bicyclists on the road. The shop has a “do-it-yourself” environment where the necessary tools, resources, and instruction are provided to help students and employees maintain their bikes. Most instruction is given in one-on-one format, but group workshops are also offered after regular hours. The Bike Hub also includes a retail area where a careful but thorough selection of parts, tools, and accessories are available for purchase, with discounts for members. Additionally the Bike Hub provides pay-for-service repairs for students and employees who may not have the time to do their own maintenance. While students and employees are the primary focus of the Bike Hub, members of the public are also welcome to purchase retail items or drop off a bike for service. In 2010, PSU invested approx. $500k into the relocation and expansion of the Bike Hub. It is now staffed by two full time employees and six student employees. In the first year of operations in its new location, membership has grown from 300 to 1500 members and gross sales have totaled approx. $215k. Membership is $30 per year.

Most Compelling Recent Bike Related Accomplishment:
In addition to the PSU Bike Hub, PSU has also invested nearly $400k in the construction of two secure bicycle garages on campus. These facilities, located in different sections of campus, provide enhanced security while retaining 24/7 access for permit holders. Each bike garage features an ID card access system, security cameras, articulated two-tiered bike racks to increase capacity, and a designated place for lock storage. The Montgomery St. Bike Garage has space to park up to 77 bikes and also features an eco-roof. The Harrison St. Bike Garage, located across the street from the PSU Bike Hub, can house up to 86 bikes and includes a self service repair station and pump for after-hours repairs. Permits to use the facilities are just $5 per month, with quarterly or annual permit options. Very soon we will be adding a small parts & accessories vending machine at the Harrison St. Bike Garage.

Most Compelling Fact:According to the most recent data, over 12 percent of student and employee trips to PSU are by bike. This number has tripled since the beginning of PSU’s bicycle programs in 2004. Meanwhile, the drive alone rate has decreased to just 22 percent.