Bicycling Btown

Bloomington is crazy about bicycles. And you don’t have to be a Little 500 speedster to appreciate life on two wheels. We’re here to educate you on biking basics, starting in first gear. Try to keep up.
“You can get anywhere on campus faster than with any other method of transportation,” Bikesmiths employee Erik Paavola said. “And it saves you a bunch of money.”

Paavola said bike shops tend to experience a boom in customer interest during the spring as Bloomington’s weather usually improves from March to mid-April. As a result, many newbies find themselves riding in the streets for the first time, and sharing the road with trucks and buses can be downright intimidating.
“People should not necessarily be afraid to ride in the street,” Paavola said. “Ride in the lane. Like, right in the lane. Because it’s your right to do that.”

Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is not only dangerous, it’s illegal in Indiana.
Bloomington laws designate a “share the road” policy, treating cyclists as equals to motor vehicles.
“If you’re going to ride in the street, you’ve got to stop at stop signs and stoplights or people are going to think you’re an asshole,” Paavola said.

Once bicyclists and commuters have mastered the laws of the road, the rest is up to preparation.
“If you have a rack or panniers on your bike, putting your stuff there will keep you much cooler,” Paavola said. “When you’re carrying your backpack on your bike, you’re going to get really sweaty. It doesn’t allow you to breathe. Getting the backpack off you, initially, is going to be a big help. You don’t need to get to class as fast as you can.”

Lastly, the secret to being a happy cyclist is keeping your bike yours. Investing in a quality lock, like the Kryptonite or OnGuard brands, keeps bike thieves at bay.
“If you have a bike that you found or bought on Craiglist for $5 or $10, do whatever with it,” Paavola said. “But if you spent any money on your bike, and your bike means something to you and you want to keep that bike, don’t buy a cable lock. Ever.”

Brought your bike?
Buy a one-time $10 bike permit from IU Parking Operations. This registers your bike so if your ride ends up missing, you can easily file for stolen property with IUPD.
Buying a bike? Consider shopping for a refurbished bike at the Bloomington Community Bike Project, where some are $40 to $50. Volunteering your time at the BCBP can not only teach you bike repair skills, but also earn you a bike for free.

Beyond bikes
If you don’t care for biking, there are still other options besides walking to navigate campus.

Bus service
Free to students, IU and city buses pick up all around campus. If you live near the stadium, hop on the A or X buses. Residents of North Jordan and the extension can catch the B bus, while those on the south side should ride the D and E buses. City bus route 9 picks up at Wells Library and drops off at the College Mall.

Driving
Freshmen are welcome to bring cars to campus, but should keep in mind they’ll most likely be parking at the stadium with an E parking permit. Turning in the housing contract early means D permits near the dorms may also be available for purchase. For more information, visit parking.indiana.edu.