Bicycle Theft and Safety

Dear Members of the Georgetown Community,

As a designated Bicycle Friendly University, Georgetown supports bicycling as a key component of our sustainable transportation options. Whether you are here for the summer or gone until fall, we want to remind you about the importance of bicycle safety and security. 

To protect property on campus, we remind anyone leaving Georgetown for the summer to secure their bicycles indoors during the summer months, rather than leaving it outside. Bringing your bicycle home frees up space on existing bike racks for active riders and improves the campus environment. For students unable to transport their bikes home for the summer, we encourage you to consider storage options, such as Corp Storage. You can also donate any unused or no longer needed bikes during the end of the semester Move Out Drive. At the end of the summer, any abandoned bicycles will be tagged and donated if left unclaimed. 

Bicyclists on campus should always lock their bikes when not in use. Please do not lock bicycles to trees, fencing, ADA ramps, handrails, or lamp posts. To mitigate thefts, all bicyclists are encouraged to use U-locks, which are more secure and more difficult to cut than cable locks. Discounted U-Locks can be purchased from GUPD, located in Village C West, or at the University bookstore. 

GUPD also offers free online bicycle registration, which can help facilitate your bike’s return if stolen, allow GUPD to assist if your key is lost or contact you if your bike appears abandoned. Anyone with their own bicycle on campus is highly encouraged to register with GUPD.  

For those without bicycles, you may wish to consider bikeshare programs for convenience, cost and safety. Discounts are available to Georgetown faculty, staff and students through Capital Bikeshare and LimeBike, two inexpensive options to travel the city on two wheels. Helmets should always be worn when riding a bicycle, especially when travelling on high trafficked streets. When riding, travel in the same direction as traffic, stay focused and alert to the road, and signal before turning. 

Bicycling to and from campus supports healthy lifestyles among our community members while using fewer resources and promoting a healthier, sustainable planet. As we welcome the warmer weather, protect your bicycle to ensure a sustainable and secure ride.

Sincerely, 
Jay Gruber
Chief of Police, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety

Audrey Stewart
Director, Office of Sustainability