Cold Weather Cycling Tips; Bike Parking Reminder

Cold Weather Cycling Tips

Commuting by bicycle can be an easy, efficient way to get around – and cold weather doesn’t have to mean an end to getting around on two wheels! With winter-like temperatures and the first snowfall of the semester making an appearance this week, Parking and Transportation Services has some useful tips for navigating the colder months on your bike.

Parking and Transportation Services offers these cycling tips when riding in cold weather:

• Pay special attention to cleaning and maintaining your bike during the winter months, as dirt and road salt can cause damage. Keep a towel or brush handy to wipe or brush off snow and slush from the frame and chain.
• Stay informed about changing weather conditions. Sign up for UK Alert for information about closures and delays, and allow extra time for your commute on snowy and icy days.
• Visibility is even more important than usual on inclement weather days, as drivers may not expect to encounter cyclists when road conditions are poor. Be aware of your surroundings, and wear bright, reflective outer layers in addition to using front and rear lights. Even if you don’t think your commute will occur during dusk or dark hours, plan for those conditions in case the weather or your schedule changes.
• Bundle up! Your extremities are the most susceptible to cold. However, overdressing can be as much a problem as under dressing, so choose your layers wisely.
• Not every day will be a cycling day for everyone. Any trip made by bike instead of in an automobile has benefits for all of us, so even one day a week helps. Be sure to research transportation alternatives for days when biking isn’t the best choice for you. Depending on your schedule and commute distance, these may include campus buses and Lextran, which is free for all students and employees by showing their Wildcard ID under the BluPass program.

For more cold weather cycling tips, visit www.uky.edu/transportation/alternative-transportation_bicycle-information.

Bike Parking Reminder

Bicycles may only be parked at bicycle racks, located at all residence halls, classroom buildings, and throughout campus. This means that bicycles may not be parked on benches, railings, trees or anything other than a bike rack. Parking at locations that are not bike racks poses a number of safety issues, and bikes parked in such a manner may be cited or impounded.

If you notice a need for more bike parking in a particular area of campus, submit a request via www.uky.edu/transportation/help-and-resources_forms.

View a complete map of campus-area bicycle lanes and facilities (PDF), including rack locations.

UK Parking and Transportation Services is on Twitter! To follow news on parking and transportation issues on campus, including bikes, go to http://twitter.com/UKParking.