Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library is Open
Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library (WWBL) is now open for the fall semester. The WWBL shop is located on north campus, on the first floor of Blazer Dining.
Manned by knowledgeable students, the shop provides free bicycle check out options and repair assistance to students and employees for both short-term and long-term use. WWBL also has an education-based repair shop, where student mechanics assist while students and employees learn to fix their own bikes. Gently used parts are available in exchange for volunteer time.
Full shop hours this semester are:
3-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday
4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday
In recent years, Wildcat Wheels has annually served between 6,000 to 7,000 students and employees who need help with bicycle maintenance. Last year, it celebrated its 15th anniversary on campus. Since its creation, the program has grown tremendously, helping pave the way for UK’s designation in 2018 as a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly University.
WWBL has revised some of its policies and procedures this fall to ensure proper physical distancing and cleanliness, as a result of COVID-19. Facial coverings are required to be worn in the shop by both customers and employees. In addition, all tools and workstations are sanitized after every shift and after each new customer. Bike handlebars and locks are sanitized upon check out and after their return.
Customers who wish to work on their own bikes can continue to do so. A mobile station is available.
Customer capacity is also limited to allow for physical distancing. If multiple customers are on-site, they may be asked to wait outside or come back at another time. Customers can also call WWBL at 859-257-2494. If no one answers, the call will be returned during the shop’s next open hours.
“There’s been a lot of renewed interest in cycling as a safe mode of transportation and recreation in the last six months across the country,” said Sandra Broadus, UK Transportation Services Alternative Transportation Manager. “We’re excited to be able to continue to support people who choose to ride a bike to, from, and around UK’s campus this semester.”
Cyclists can also participate in determining the future of biking at UK by taking part in the campus Bicycle Master Plan update, now underway. This plan is intended to guide the University’s bicycle efforts over the next five years. Learn more about it and add your own suggestions and comments by visiting the RideBlue website.
For more details about WWBL and UK’s bicycle programs, visit our website and sign up for Bicycle e-news. You can also follow Wildcat Wheels on Facebook.