As winter approaches, it is important to park your bike in an enclosed or covered bike parking area. Students who reside in Ikenberry Commons should consider parking their bikes at the Bike Shelter near Flagg Hall or at several covered bike parking areas in the area. The bike shelter was completed in June 2021 and can house up to 96 bicycles. Considering the effects a cold environment can have on one’s bike, the covered/enclosed bike parking area can serve as a useful means of preserving your bicycle. However, it is important to know that bikes can be subject to theft. Therefore, students follow these safety tips to secure their bike.

Register your bike 

All students, faculty, and staff are required to register their bicycle at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Students can learn about registration by clicking the following link: https://bike.illinois.edu/register-your-bike/. All bicycle owners are required to pay a one-time fee of $10. Registering your bike through the University’s Project 529 National Bike Registration system can ensure you have access to programs and events. Once you register, you will be given a 529 shield, which is a tamper-proof shield that serves as a theft deterrent. If your bike is stolen, you can find more information on the dos and don'ts at https://blog.project529.com/bike-theft-victim-dos-and-donts/. 

This is a national bike registration system, so your bicycle will still be protected if/when you leave the university. Also, all registered bike users will enter a monthly Bicycle Registration Raffle for a chance to win a high quality Bike at Illinois Helmet or a U-lock! Learn more about the Benefits of Registration here.

Purchase a bike lock  

Utilizing a bike lock ensures that your bicycle is secure and cannot be tampered with. Specifically, one should use a good quality U-Lock to ensure that their bike is secure. Also, it is beneficial to buy two bike locks (U-lock with a cable lock) for added security. If you do not have a good quality U-lock, you should visit the Campus Bike Center at 51 E. Gregory Dr., Champaign, to purchase one. Always lock your bicycle!  

Remember that safety and biking go hand in hand. Therefore, one should always follow the rules of the road while biking, lock their bike with a secure U-Lock, and register their bike with Bike at Illinois. Learn more at the Bike at Illinois website (bike.illinois.edu), and if you have questions, comments, or suggestions please send an email to bike@illinois.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected.

By Elizabeth Dattner