Bicycling

Georgetown University supports bicycling as a key component of our sustainable transportation mix, and has been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly University. Biking to campus saves money, supports a healthy lifestyle, uses fewer resources and promotes a healthier planet. Learn more about how the university is supporting bicycling at sustainability.georgetown.edu/bicycling.

Campus Amenities

There are more than 1,100 bicycle parking spaces on Georgetown’s campus. There is covered bike parking available in Garage 4, the Southwest Garage, Leavy Garage, Arrupe Hall, Ryan & Isaac Hall, 2115 Wisconsin, and the Harris Building Garage.

Georgetown University has made multi-modal commuting (bike + bus) convenient though the placement of bicycle racks on all university-owned shuttles. Commuters can use the bicycle racks on the front of the buses to help break up a longer commute to and from Georgetown. 

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) also has bicycle racks on the front of all metrobuses and Circulator buses, and allows limited access on metrorail with a bike. Although bikes are not allowed on metrorail during peak hours, they can be brought on the metro at any other time. 

Employees who commute from northeast of Washington can also take advantage of the Bike & Ride parking facility at the College Park-UMD Station for just pennies an hour.

For faculty and staff who bike to work, Yates Field House offers free shower and locker room access along with discounted towel service and locker rentals. Please note that only individuals who do not currently have a parking pass are eligible for this benefit. Visit the Yates Membership Office for more information and to complete the registration process.

Multiple administrative offices also have showers available to their staff, and there are showers and lockers available to graduate students on the ground floor of the Car Barn.

Need to fix your bike or fill up your tires? Main campus has multiple self-service bike repair stations and air pumps near Darnall Hall, Red Square, and Leo’s Dining Hall.

Capital Bikeshare is a point-to-point bike sharing system in Washington, DC. Riders can pick up a bike at one docking station and park it at another, making it a great option for getting to Georgetown University. Bicyclists can reserve bikes and view docking stations on the Capital Bikeshare or Lyft app.

Students, faculty, and staff are eligible to sign-up Capital Bikeshare Annual Membership at a discounted rate of $25 (a $95 value) which includes benefits such unlimited 45-minute rides.

Access Discount Code

LimeBike is the newest addition to GU’s offerings of affordable, sustainable transportation options. LimeBike bikeshare eliminates docking stations, creating a broadly distributed system, with bikes that are more accessible and affordable. Sign up with your georgetown.edu email account and pay only 50 cents per 30-minute time block, a discount from the regular $1 rate. You can find one of the bright green bikes at 12 pick-up locations across the Main Campus.

Finding a Route

Georgetown University is located in one of the most bikeable cities in the United States and is connected to the wider DC metro area by a network of trails and on-street bike routes. goDCgo provides online resources, like bike routes and tips for beginners, to cyclists throughout the DC region. See below for the best route between our Hilltop and Capitol Campuses.

Bicycle Registration, Safety and Security

GUPD offers bicycle registration for students, faculty, and staff. While bicycle registration is not required, it is highly recommended as it can assist with bicycle recovery in case of theft. Registering your bike with the university is free, and GUPD will also register your bike with the National Bicycle Registry for $10. It is also recommended that you register your bike online with the National Bicycle Registry.

Always lock your bike to a bike rack using a U-Lock. Do not lock your bike to trees, fences, or signposts. To lock your bike securely, make sure that your U-Lock goes through your frame and at least one wheel. For added security, you can use a secondary cable lock to lock your second wheel to your U-Lock. Discounted U-Locks can be purchased from the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD), located in Village C West.

Additional Resources

Want to learn more about confidently commuting by bike in the DC region? GUWellness hosts free monthly Bike Commuting 101 classes. Find upcoming class dates here.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) offers regular classes and bike rides to adults and children throughout the region. Classes range from learning to ride a bicycle to improving confidence when riding on trails or in city traffic. Prices range per class, and WABA members join any class free. For additional tips and resources, WABA’s website.

If you are a member of the Georgetown community who currently bikes to Georgetown (or is considering it) reach out to biking@georgetown.edu or join our Bicycling@Georgetown Facebook group (new window) .

There are multiple bike shops within a half mile of campus that sell bicycles and equipment, as well as offer maintenance services to help keep your bike in top condition.

If you have a bicycle that you no longer want and wish to donate, the university will accept your bike and donate it to organizations such as Bikes for the World  and Phoenix Bikes. To inquire about donating your bike, contact Sergeant Talib Abdur-Rahim at GUPD.