Bike Options

As a Platinum-level Bike Friendly Business, UCAR/NCAR has great ways for YOU to enjoy getting around by bike.

Enjoy two great options for biking to and from UCAR/NCAR:

1. Boulder B-cycle “Red Bikes”: 
A Bike When You Need It - All Across Boulder
Boulder B-cycle bike sharing stations can be found at CG and FL - and across Boulder.  UCAR/NCAR staff can sign up for a UCAR-paid membership. Membership in Boulder B-cycle also lets you ride in the Denver B-cycle system. Learn more here.



2. “Blue Bikes”: 
UCAR/NCAR: Free Borrow-a-Bike Program
Borrow a Blue Bike as a great way to commute if you’re new to town or want to try out bicycling.  Employees, research visitors, and interns can check out a bike for up to 1 month and enjoy getting around on two wheels.  All bikes receive regular maintenance, and many were built just for UCAR to be as commuter-friendly as possible.  Learn more here.




 

B-cycle RiderBlue Bikes

 

Blue Bikes

                                                           blue bike

Borrow a Blue Bike as a great way to commute if you’re new to town or want to try out bicycling.  Employees, research visitors, and interns can check out a bike for up to 1 month and enjoy getting around on two wheels.  All bikes receive regular maintenance, and many were built just for UCAR to be as commuter-friendly as possible. Blue Bikes have been part of the UCAR/NCAR community for fourteen years!

Want a bike for a quick ride, to get to a meeting or to run errands?  

On this page:

How do I borrow a Blue Bike?
Blue Bike Rules
Division Bikes for Official Visitors
FAQs

How do I borrow a Blue Bike?

Complete the online Blue Bike check-out form and liability waiver.

How do I return a Blue Bike?
•    Be sure to return your bike on or before the date listed on your check-out form.
•    Return the bike to the designated Blue Bike rack outside of the main entrance to FL2 and return your key to the person working at the FL2 front desk. 

Blue Bike Rules
•    Ride safely and within your own bicycling abilities.
•    Maximum check-out one month. Total use of a Blue Bike is limited to one month per year, per person. Exception: Division Blue Bikes, available through specific divisions that host a Blue Bike fleet for their staff, may be available for a longer time period. Check out limits keep bikes in circulation for a large number of riders.
•    Only the person who borrows the bike may ride it. You cannot check out a bike for someone else to ride.
•    Use: Blue Bikes are intended for commuter use, not for long distance rides or mountain biking.
•    Maintenance: Note any maintenance needs you encounter. Refill the tires with air as needed. If your bike needs a repair during your check out period, contact the Sustainability office to get a replacement bike and get the bike you checked out repaired.
•    We recommend that only experienced bicyclists with well-fitting personal bikes ride on the hill below the Mesa Lab, and other steep hills.

Division Bikes for Official Visitors
Several labs and programs coordinate with Sustainability to have a small pool of bikes that their visitors can borrow for up to six months.  Visitors in EOL, MMM and SOARS should check with their administrator if they are interested in borrowing one of their group’s bikes.

FAQ

Who can borrow a Blue Bike?
Employees and official visitors who are on the UCAR/NCAR payroll may borrow a Blue Bike.  Other visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the “red bikes” in the Boulder B-cycle kiosks at CG and FL for short term riding.

Why is there a one-month checkout limit?
Blue Bikes are great for anyone who needs a temporary commuting option.  A one-month check out time allows visitors and employees who want to commute by bike enough time to learn their bicycle commuting route and purchase a bicycle for long-term personal use.  Limiting check-out time ensures that Blue Bikes will be accessible to a larger number of employees.


Can I reserve a bike?
Blue Bike check out is on a first come, first served basis.  Due to the variable nature of the bike loan program, we are unable to hold reservations for the bike’s use.

Can I borrow a helmet?
Helmet fit is important for safety, so we encourage riders to wear their own helmets when riding a bike.  A limited number of loaner helmets are available in the lobby of FL2.

I need a bike for more than a month. What do I do?
During our off-peak season (September-April), we may be able to accommodate longer borrowing times. Reach out to Sustainability@ucar.edu with your extension request and we will do our best to work with you. If you’re looking for a low-cost and healthy transportation option, biking in Boulder is the way to go!  Check out our numerous local bike shops for new or second-hand bicycles in any price range.  If you leave town and no longer need your bike, consider donating it to Community Cycles, a local nonprofit that provides low-cost, refurbished bikes to kids and adults. 

How are Blue Bikes maintained?
Mobile Bike Man, a local mobile bike repair business, regularly inspects and maintains our fleet of bikes.  Please report maintenance issues to the Sustainability program so we can get them fixed as quickly as possible.  

Why doesn’t the Mesa Lab have any Blue Bikes?
For safety reasons, Blue Bikes are not available for check-out from the Mesa Lab.  We recommend that only experienced bicyclists with well-fitting personal bikes ride on the hill below the Mesa Lab.

For more information, contact us at sustainability@ucar.edu or ext.8625.

Digital Bike Loan Form

BIKE LOAN INFORMATION AND FORM

bike 

How to Borrow a Bike

IMPORTANT: 

1) Read this agreement carefully and fill out the requested information,
2) Digitally sign the bottom of this printed page, and
3) Click the "Submit" button. You will be emailed a copy of your signed document and a copy will be submitted to the UCAR Sustainability Office.

1.  Read and complete the form at the bottom of this page acknowledging the UCAR liability waiver.  If you have any questions please email:Sustainability@ucar.edu.

  • Once your liability form is submitted, the sustainability team will reach out to you to setup an appointment for you to select a blue bike.

2.  Return your bike and lock key on time.

  • Please email sustainability@ucar.edu five days prior to your departure to make arrangements to return your bike key and helmut.

3.  Please read and observe the following: 

  • ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE UCAR EMPLOYEES OR OFFICIAL VISITORS, AND BE AT LEAST EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE.
  • Ride safely, and within your own bicycling abilities.
  • Maximum check-out time is ONE MONTH. Bike use is limited to one month per year, per person. 
  • Only the person who borrows the bike may ride it. You cannot check out a bike for someone else to ride.
  • Use: UCAR Bikes are intended for commuter use, not for long distance rides or mountain biking.
  • Security: Always securely lock your bike up.  When possible, lock your bike indoors or in a secure area.
  • Maintenance: Please contact us with any maintenance needs you encounter. Refill the tires with air as needed. If your bike needs a repair during your check out period, contact the Sustainability office to get a replacement bike and get the bike you checked out repaired.
  • We recommend that only experienced bicyclists with well-fitting personal bikes ride on the hill below the Mesa Lab, and other steep hills.

4.  Read the agreement carefully, then sign below indicating your understanding of the Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement.


UCAR BIKES PROGRAM
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY
Please Read Carefully
IN CONSIDERATION of being allowed to participate in the UCAR Bikes Program I, for myself, my personal representatives, and  heirs, do unconditionally:
1. Represent that I am an experienced bicyclist and that I possess adequate skills, training, and physical health to safely operate a bicycle. I agree to wear a helmet at all times while operating the Bikes bicycle.  I acknowledge the inherent risks, including death, associated with operating a bicycle and do hereby fully ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OPERATING UCAR BICYCLE.  
2.  Agree that I have personally inspected the bicycle to my satisfaction and that the bicycle is in safe, functional and undamaged condition.  I agree that I will return the bicycle to UCAR Bikes in the same condition upon the termination or expiration of this agreement. I agree to reimburse UCAR Bikes for any  damage to the bicycle, including loss, suffered or caused during the term of this agreement.
3. FOREVER RELEASE AND DISCHARGE UCAR FROM ALL LIABILITY IN ANY WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MY USE OF A BIKES BICYCLE.  I FURTHER AGREE TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS UCAR, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS, AND AGENTS FROM ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, DAMAGES OR COSTS (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES) IN ANY WAY ASSOCIATED WITH MY USE OF THE A UCAR BICYCLE.
I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT.  I SIGN IT FREELY AND WITHOUT ANY INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE OF ANY NATURE. I INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. I AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID, THE REMAINING PROVISIONS SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.
ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE UCAR EMPLOYEES OR OFFICIAL VISITORS AND BE AT LEAST EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.
IMPORTANT: YOU ASSUME FULL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR A LOST, STOLEN, OR DAMAGED BICYCLE, UP TO THE FULL REPLACEMENT COST, AND AGREE TO PROMPTLY REIMBURSE UCAR BIKES FOR THE COST OF ANY SUCH DAMAGE OR LOSS, UP TO $400.

Enter division or personal sponsor in the above box.

Boulder B-cycle

UCAR/NCAR riders on B-cycles

 

Ride a B-cycle today! UCAR offers all staff and visitors FREE annual B-cycle memberships, called Republic Rider passes. 
Bike sharing with B-cycle means having access to hundreds of bicycles, all housed in conveniently located kiosks in popular destinations all over town - including stations at CG2 and between FLA and FL2. It's fun, econcomical, and an efficient mode of transportation.

Watch this 5-minute video customized for UCAR staff and visitors to learn everything you need to know about how to get started with your free B-cycle membership. 

To access your free pass, please send an email to Sustainability@ucar.edu. We will send you your promo code and instructions for how to register and ride.  

 

Visit Boulder B-cycle for more information about the bike sharing system.

Boulder B-cycle members can also register their memberships for use in the Denver B-cycle system at no extra charge. When riding in Denver, all Denver B-cycle rules apply, including the 30 minute free check out time.  For more information, check out the Boulder B-cycle FAQ.

Staff can sign up for UCAR-paid memberships. Discounts are available for family members of staff, visitors to NCAR/UCAR, and attendees at UCAR-sponsored conferences.

 

Bike Discounts

Bike Discounts are Available to all NCAR|UCAR Staff

Simply flash your building access badge at any of the following local businesses! 
 
Small Planet Electric Bikes | 10-20% Discount off All Bikes
Trek Bicycle Boulder| 10% Discount off All Bikes, 15% off Parts/Accessories, 20% off Labor 
University Cycles | 5% Discount off all Bikes, 10% off Parts, Labor, & Accessories 

Bike Routes, Safety, & Laws

FIND THE BEST ROUTE 

Use this trip planning tool to find the best route. 

SAFETY TIPS 

If you're new to Boulder, take a moment to read up on our bike laws below.

Obey all signs and signals

When riding in the street, all signs apply to you, including stop signs and traffic lights. Stop when you're supposed to, and always yield to pedestrians.

Keep off sidewalks & pedestrian malls

Don't be a nuisance to pedestrians by riding where you're not supposed to. Boulder has hundreds of miles of multi-use bike paths and lanes, so you should have no problem sticking to those. You can find maps of bike routes on the City of Boulder's website, or on the printed maps at each of our stations.

Ride predictably & use hand signals

Make your intentions clear to all other road and path users. Ride in a straight line, signal turns, use audible signals if passing pedestrians and other bikes, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes. Make eye contact with drivers.

Wear a helmet—not the law, but a good idea

The City of Boulder does not require riders to wear bike helmets, nor does Boulder B-cycle's user agreement. However, protecting your noodle is always a good idea. You can bring your own helmet along or check out one of the helmet rental spots featured in the following section.

LOCAL BIKE LAWS

Speed Limits
  • Enter crosswalks at 8 mph or less.
  • Multi-use paths have a 15 mph speed limit for bikes, unless noted otherwise.
Equipment
  • It's illegal for cyclists to wear headphones or earbuds while biking.
  • When riding after dusk, cyclists are required to equip their bikes with a white light for the front and a red light for the back
    • We've got you covered there—All of our bikes feature internally-powered front and rear lights
Where to Ride
  • Always ride with the flow of traffic.
  • Stay on designated paths and trails; no bikes are allowed on Pearl Street Mall.
Yielding
  • Motorists must yield to cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Cyclists must yield to pedestrians.
  • It's more important to avoid an accident than it is to abide by a law or claim some right-of-way.
If You're in an Accident
  • The law requires you to stop immediately, aid any injured person and to properly identify yourself. You are also required to notify the police immediately by calling 9-1-1 in an emergency. In non-emergency situations, please call 303-441-3333.
If You've had a Close Call
  • Fill out the close call form or call the City of Boulder’s Close Call Comment Line at 303-441-4272 and let us know. This helps the city identify potential trouble spots. Remember that the Close Call Line is not a way to report an incident/accident to the police.
Winter Safety Tips