Safety and Maintenance

Safety and Maintenance

Bicycle safety is a top priority at Harvard. The CommuterChoice program promotes safety through maintenance opportunities, incentives and educational campaigns.

HUPD Bike Registration

Harvard affiliates are strongly encouraged to register their bikes with the Harvard University Police Department. Registration serves as a deterrent to theft and can help in the recovery of stolen bicycles.

Bike Helmets

The League of American Bicyclists recommends that cyclists frequently check their helmets for wear and damage, and replace the helmets every few years and immediately after a crash.

CommuterChoice hosts periodic helmet and light giveaways. Check back on this site to be notified of upcoming events.

Harvard affiliates also have access to discounted FEND folding helmets. You can purchase these helmets with a 20% discount by entering code: VERITAS and using a Harvard email address. 

Bike Repair Classes

Faculty & Staff Benefit

Benefits eligible employees based in Cambridge or Allston interested in learning about bicycle safety or repair techniques can take classes at any location and be reimbursed for expenses. Employees must verify eligibility prior to class registration by emailing CommuterChoice or calling 617 384 7433

For tips, videos, and additional safety resources utilize the City of Boston's Urban Cycling Guide 

Bike Education Library

Browse through virtual bike workshops and tutorials to help you gain hands-on experience maintaining your bike, navigating the road and more. You may browse the bike education library here.

Lock Rentals

Forgot your lock at home? Rent one of ours for free!

CommuterChoice offers Harvard affiliates with free 24-hour bike lock rentals. Simply stop by our office at the Smith Campus Center, sign one out and return it within 24-hours. Failure to return lock will result in a charge of the full price of the lock.

While you are at the Smith Campus Center, stop by the HUPD substation on the 2nd floor to register you bike for free!

Locking Your Bicycle

Bicycles should be locked in a rack or in a covered bike parking shelter where available. Locking to a street sign is OK, but never in the path of pedestrians or in a way that blocks handicap access. The city of Cambridge asks cyclists to leave at least 36 inches of an obstruction-free path for travel. Additionally, bicycles cannot be parked against fire hydrants, hand railings, benches, trees, trash receptacles, or parking meters.

Cyclists should lock their bikes using a U-lock, chain, or cable. Most cyclists lock their frame and one wheel to a bike rack. If a U-lock is used to lock the front wheel and frame to the rack, looping a cable through the back wheel and locking it to the U-lock is a good idea, especially if the bike has a quick-release system on the wheels.

Bike racks and routes around campus can be found on this interactive campus map.

Bike Repair Stations

Bicycle Repair stations are located at Pound Hall – 1563 Mass Ave in Cambridge, the i-lab - 125 Western Ave in Allston, 46 Blackstone St South, the Francis Ave Bike Shelter - 23 Francis Ave35 Divinity Ave (no pump), and the Science Center Plaza across from Memorial Hall. The stations are equipped with an air pump and basic hand tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and tire levers.

For help with repairs use the Quick Read (QR) code on the front of the station to view detailed instructions on your smart phone.

Please report any damaged or malfunctioning parts here.

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    Rules of the Road

    Bicycling is a great transportation option, but before you start pedaling, it's important to know the rules of the road. The City of Cambridge has a great reasource to help you understand the rules that apply to bicyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and transit riders.

    Real Time Hubway Information

    Download the free Blue Bikes mobile app on Apple or Andriod devices to find bikes, stations, track your stats, and unlock bikes. Bluebike locations and availability can also be found on the Harvard Campus Map.