Getting around your city
Explore your city and find your way to campus and other destinations by bike.
You can find nearby on-road and off-road cycling and walking routes easily using Google Maps or Apple Maps. Just search the way you would for driving directions and click the bike or walking icons. You can also check out the Cycling Guide app to explore and to get cycling-oriented routes.
Main campus is located right along the Laurel Trail, which is part of the Trans-Canada trail and a scenic and accessible route for commuting or recreation. The Kitchener campus is now linked to a growing network of off-road bike lanes and multi-use trails, making it easier and safer to ride. Cycling maps and other information are available for our campuses across Waterloo Region in Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge, and in Stratford, Perth County. Interested in exploring with a group? Check out the UW Cycling Club for employees and students.
Cyclists are eligible for TravelWise's Emergency Ride Home program, which offers reimbursement for unforeseen travel expenses to those who commute sustainably.
Bike and Bus
Did you know you can take your bike on the GRT bus & ION trains? Visit GRT's website for more information and learn how to use the bus bike racks.
Bike parking
Ample open-air free bike racks of different styles are available for anyone to use across campus. Sustainable Transportation also offers secure and enclosed bike parking options available by permit. No matter where you park, always lock your bike properly!
Indoor bike room
A new, secure bike parking room opened on East Campus in 2025 and is available by permit to students and employees. The room features indoor bike racks, security cameras, and WatCard access. Available for $15 per month + HST.
Permit holders must abide by the Bike Parking Terms and Conditions, including:
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Never let anyone else in the room - they should use their own WatCard
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Do not leave bikes parked in the room overnight
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Make sure the door is closed and locked behind you
Bike cage
The bike cage is a locked space which can accommodate up to 62 bicycles, located beside Environment 3 and Modern Languages. The top racks feature a unique, extended rod that makes hanging and removing bikes easier. The shelter will accommodate standard-sized bicycles.
The cage spaces are available by permit (monthly, termly, or yearly) to Waterloo students and employees with an active ongoing status. To purchase a bike cage permit, please fill out the bike parking application form. Permit holders must abide by the Bike Cage Terms and Conditions.
Cost is $10.35 per month + HST.
Helpful tips for parking in the bike cage:
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Always lock your bike with a high-quality cable or U-lock
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Never let anyone else in the cage - they should use their own fobs
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To avoid break-ins, do not leave bikes parked in the cage overnight
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Make sure the door is locked and closed behind you
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Report any issues to Sustainable Transportation (ext. 33100)
The bike cage project began as a student initiative to support more active and sustainable means of transportation to and from campus.
Bike lockers
Secure, single, enclosed bike lockers are located in six locations across main campus, granted by permit to employees only for $10.35/month + HST.
There is currently a wait list for bike lockers. You can be added to the wait list by applying through the form below.
Bike security
Sustainable Transportation has been focused on developing or enhancing initiatives to help those who bike to campus feel confident that their bike is secure. Some of these initiatives include:
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Working with Special Constable Services to relocate bike racks to more visible and secure locations
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Installing more secure bike racks
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Tips on bike locking procedures to increase security
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The launch of a new indoor parking room
Our team is also available for educational seminars. Email us to find out more.
Lock your bike
It is important to always lock your bike properly on campus. Whether in a bike room or cage, or at an open-air bike rack, or even if you only think you will be gone a minute. Theft can happen quickly. Get more tips from the Special Constable Service on how to lock your bike.
Bike registry: Register your bike with Project 529
Bike theft is on the rise – but you can take steps to protect your bike. Project 529 is a global bike registration and recovery program now active in Waterloo Region. Cyclists can register their bike for free on the Project 529 website or on the 529 Garage app. If your bike is stolen, you can update your bike’s status on the app which alerts the cycling community and the police to be on the lookout for your bike.
Once registered, you can further increase protection by putting a 529 Garage shield decal on your bike. Contact us or visit the WUSA Bike Centre to register and pick up a free shield.
Bikeshare
The University of Waterloo has partnered with Neuron Mobility to provide the orange e-bikes and e-scooters you see around campus, as part of a Region-wide scooter and bike share program supporting sustainable transportation options between the campus and broader community.
Bike Repair
WUSA Bike Centre
Run by WUSA, the Bike Centre is located in SLC 0101 and provides access to tools, parts, and volunteer support on minor bike repairs and tune-ups. It’s open to all Waterloo students and employees for free with WATCard validation, and to broader community members for a nominal fee.
Bike Centre services:
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Rent a bike on a monthly or termly basis
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Learn bike maintenance and repair with hands-on instruction
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Use tools and resources for do-it-yourself repairs
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Purchase bike parts, including inner tubes, brake pads, and chains
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Buy a refurbished bike at their annual bike auction
On campus bike repair stations
Sustainable Transportation and Campus Housing provide free-to-use bike repair stations and air pumps at these locations across campus:
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Campus Housing locations: CLV Central Complex, REV North, MKV East, V1 East, Minota Hagey, UWP Wilmot, UWP Grand Commons
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Engineering 5/7
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South Commons (near Dana Porter Library)
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Carl Pollock Hall (CPH) / Douglas Wright Engineering (DWE)
Community bike repair stations
Red Raccoon Bike Repair offers repairs in Waterloo Region, in addition to the Working Centre's Recycle Cycles Community Bike Shop.
