Bicycle Friendly University

University of Washington, Seattle| Silver Level

University Highlights: Since the 1970s, the University of Washington (UW) has invested in high-quality end-of-trip facilities including bike racks, lockers, cages, and rooms. As a result, the campus boasts nearly 1,000 locker, bike room, and cage bike parking spaces, and an additional 4,600 bike rack parking spaces, of which nearly half are covered. All new buildings feature end-of-trip facilities, and Commuter Services is planning significant investments in the near future to provide additional secure and covered parking in areas where demand is highest. In 2011, Commuter Services celebrated the one-year anniversary of its partnership with Cascade Bicycle Club to provide regular bicycle education classes and instructional labs to the campus community. Commuter Services also regularly hosts APBP webinars that are advertised and open to members of the UW community. In 2010, UW reinforced the bike-transit connection by partnering with King County Metro Transit to procure a mobile bike-bus practice rack. In concert with the maintenance and repair classes offered through the ASUW Bike Shop, the UW community is provided with a comprehensive set of bicycle education offerings. UW's flagship bicycle events, Ride in the Rain and Bike to Campus Month experienced their most successful years to date in 2010 and 2011. The effectiveness of these programs in attracting new riders and retaining existing ones is reflected in the annual bicycle parking counts, which showed record highs across campus. In addition to these programs, UW continued to encourage bicycling and active transportation through the U-PASS (universal transportation pass), U-Powered U-PASS, and Commute Champion recognition programs. The U-Powered U-PASS program provides non-cash incentives to people who regularly bike and walk. For a $40 annual fee, participants receive 24 bus rides and 5 discounted parking days for days when they need to drive to campus. In addition, participants can ride the NightRide Shuttle and take Bicycle Education classes for free. Participants also take advantage of U-PASS merchant discounts, including Zipcar, local restaurants, and bike shops.

Most Compelling Recent Bike Related Accomplishment:
Paccar Hall (School of Business) bicycle parking was the largest single investment in bicycle infrastructure in 2010 and to date. The building included a card-access facility with space for 26 bikes, as well as a covered facility with space for 52 bikes.

Most Compelling Fact: UW sponsors a "Commute Champion Recognition Program" through its U-PASS program. The program recognizes individuals in the UW community who model smart commute choices, including bicycling. Champions are peer-nominated and selected on a quarterly basis, and receive a commute-related prize for their efforts.