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Biking at UTK

Bicycles

Bicycles operated on campus or city streets are subject to all state, local, and university motor vehicle laws pertaining to street travel. Bicycles operated on sidewalks or other pedestrian thoroughfares are subject to all state, local, and university laws and regulations regarding pedestrians.

Free Registration

All bicycles parked on campus must be registered and must display a current UT Bicycle Parking Permit.

FREE Bicycle permits are available at:

Circle Park Information Booth

Parking and Transit office at 2121

 Stephenson Drive

Note: we will need to know your bicycle’s make, model, serial number, and color as well as your contact information to register your bicycle.

Permits must be permanently attached to the seat tube below the horizontal bar, or comparable location. The permit must be visible and legible. Any permit that becomes illegible must be replaced. Damaged permits will be replaced at no charge. Permits are not transferable to other bicycles or individuals. Unregistered bicycles are subject to impoundment.

Additionally, students can now register their bike online in just seconds and pick up their permit at TRECS/UTOP. The bike registration and permit request form can be found here.

Bike Maintenance

The UT Outdoor Pursuits Bike Shop offers affordable bike maintenance and is open to all current undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as faculty and staff. Students who wish to learn to repair their own bikes may do so for free through training from UTOP mechanics.

UTOP also has a Mobile Bike Shop that you can find at bike-related events around campus for quick repairs on the go.

Bike repair stations are available at Volunteer Hall, Fred D. Brown Jr. Hall, Massey Hall and Laurel Residence Hall. 

Bike Helmets

We strongly suggest you wear a bike helmet. Wearing bike helmets are not required in the state of Tennessee for those over age 17, BUT bike helmets have proven to significantly impact the seriousness of injuries.

Bike Parking

Hundreds of bike hoops are located around campus. Those planning on commuting to campus by bike can utilize the University’s interactive campus map, which can provide specific information on each bike parking area. 

Prohibited Parking

Bicycles are to be parked in a designated bicycle rack. The following will be prohibited:

  • bicycle parking in a manner that blocks pedestrian paths,
  • obstructs accessible entrances or exits,
  • obstructs building access,
  • affixing your bicycle to trees.

Additionally, parking, riding, rolling, or storage of bicycles inside buildings is prohibited, except in University residence halls in accordance with the UT Division of Student Life University Housing Policy. Bicycles parked in prohibited areas are subject to impoundment.

Bike Locks

We strongly suggest you utilize a U shaped lock. In many cases, bicycles with cable chain locks have been cut and those with U locks are harder to steal.

Indoor Bicycle Storage

A new indoor bicycle storage is part of the Dogwood Hall (on the west end of campus).

Runnels

Runnels are channels or ramps alongside various staircases on campus. By guiding your bike wheels into the groove, you can then roll your bike up or down the stairs beside you! 

Impoundment/Abandoned Bicycles

Bicycles in the following instances are subject to impoundment:

  • if not properly registered,
  • are parked in prohibited areas, or
  • are deemed abandoned.

Bicycle security devices may be removed by whatever means necessary to impound bicycles. The University will not be liable to the owner of this device for the cost repair or replacement.

Impounded Bicycles can be claimed at:

UT Warehouse

2111 Stephenson Dr (portable next to Parking & Transit Services)

Knoxville, TN 37996

Phone: (865) 974-7924

Hours: 7:00 am to 4:30 pm

Claiming a registered impounded bicycle requires UT identification.

Claiming an unregistered bicycle requires providing proof of ownership (a sales receipt or notarized statement of ownership providing the make, model, color, and location at the time of impoundment). The claimant must sign a statement of receipt for the bicycle.

There will be no fee assessed for the return of an impounded bicycle. Impounded bicycles will be held for thirty (30) calendar days before disposal by means the university deems appropriate.

Bicycles may be identified as abandoned if missing a major component such as pedals, handlebars, a chain, and or has flat tires. Abandoned bicycles are subject to impoundment.