When walking doesn’t cut it, alternative methods of transportation get the job done. If you’re considering biking around campus, keep these tips in mind.
WolfWheels
While biking may be prevalent on campus, it’s fine to be skeptical. Stop by University Recreation and take one for a spin. WolfWheels is a bicycle rental service available to students, faculty and staff. Prices range from $3 per day to $99 per semester.
Bike lockers
Whether you have an antique bike or just need peace of mind, four bike lockers are located on campus. Two stand adjacent to the Hillsborough Street/Brooks Hall transit stop and the other two are located on the lot west of Nelson Hall. The units are available for a fee, dependent on the rental period. Rental request forms are available on the NCSU Transportation website.
Bike registration
Biking is an efficient way to catch your class. Consequently, bikes are prone to theft. A preventative approach is registering your bike with Transportation.
“You do not have to register your bike, but it’s certainly suggested,” said Mike Kennon, assistant director of planning and operations for Transportation. “If the bike is recovered, we can go back and trace who the owner is and contact them.”
Pay heed to the bike engraving service offered by the NC State University Police Department. Also, it’s practical to report stolen bikes to them at 919-515-3000.
Be wary of abandonment
According to Kennon, bikes are periodically tagged in cases of desertion.
“It’s more of an issue later in the semester, but you really don’t want to park your bike and leave it [in the same spot] all semester,” Kennon said. “Anything that hasn’t been moved in 10 days or so will be put into storage. If the bike’s registered, we’ll have that information.”
Invest in a lock
When your bike isn’t under your watch, it’s good practice to lock your bike to the racks. U-locks are available at NC State Bookstores. Moreover, the All-Star Bike Shop in the Ridgewood Shopping Center offers a 10 percent discount on lock purchases with a valid student ID.
Reference maps
Transportation caters to the dynamic, flourishing bike culture in Raleigh with its maps. See below for maps of campus and the general Raleigh area, which are beneficial for planning routes.
Be sensible
Helmets are encouraged; be cognizant of Raleigh’s fluctuating traffic patterns and weaving through crowds of students during class changes. When traveling at night, use reflectors to boost visibility.
