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.
Employees who bike to campus are eligible for TravelWise's Emergency Ride Home program, which offers reimbursement for unforeseen travel expenses to employees 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.
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 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!
For winter 2025/26, Sustainable Transportation has partnered with Grounds Services in Plant Operations on a pilot project to improve winter access to bike racks to support year-round cycling. Some racks will be maintained with snow clearing, others are available for use but not specifically maintained, and a few have been temporarily moved out of the way for winter. Locations were chosen based on building access, peak season use, and snow clearing feasibility, supported by a new digital inventory and map. Arrangements may shift as conditions, usage, and operational needs evolve throughout the season. Access an online map showing current winter bike rack locations.
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 Permit Only Bike Parking Area Regulations, 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 an enclosed space located between ENV3 and ML, with spaces available by permit to students and employees. The cage features covered bike racks, security cameras, and WatCard access. Available for $10.35 per month + HST.
Permit holders must abide by the Permit-Only Bike Parking Area Regulations, including:
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Never let anyone else in the cage - they should use their own WatCard
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Do not leave bikes parked in the cage overnight
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Make sure the door is closed and locked behind you
Report any issues to Sustainable Transportation.
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. Permit holders must abide by the Permit Only Bike Parking Area Regulations.
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.
Missing or stolen bike? File a report or contact the UW Special Constable Service.
Lock your bike
It is important to 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.
Always lock your bike properly, using this diagram for reference.
1. Centered
Centre your bike at the designated bike rack.
2. U-Lock
Use a high-quality U-lock to secure the rear wheel and frame to the rack.
3. Cable
Use a cable lock to secure the front wheel to the U-lock or the back wheel.
Do not use a cable lock as your primary lock.
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.
Shield it! Once registered, take protection to the next level by adding a 529 tamper resistant decal with a unique code to deter thieves and help law enforcement recover your bike. Pick up your free shield (bring your bike along) from the WUSA Bike Centre (SLC), the Special Constable Service (COM) or by contacting us.
Bicycle abandonment
The University of Waterloo reserves the right to remove abandoned bicycles. The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA), in partnership with UW Special Constable Service, operates a program where an abandoned bicycle will be tagged with a notice instructing the owner to remove it within 30 days. If the owner does not do so, the lock will be cut and the bike will be removed. Removed bicycles are stored for an additional 60 days. If they remain unclaimed after that period, they are auctioned and the proceeds go to the WUSA Bike Centre, which supports active transportation on campus.
Keep photos and detailed records of your bike so you can prove ownership and reclaim it if needed.
No longer need your bike? Donate it to the WUSA Bike Centre.
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.
