This page is meant as a resource to recreational and commuting bicyclists to, from, and on campus. Penn also collaborates with the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia to educate riders and motorists about bicycle safety and etiquette. We encourage cyclists, particularly those new to the Philadelphia area, to review the information below.
Policies and Law
All Pennsylvania State and City of Philadelphia biking laws apply on campus and throughout the City of Philadelphia. In addition, there are some specific bicycle policies that help ensure a safe campus.
University of Pennsylvania Bicycle Policy
Please note that bicycles must be walked on campus pedestrian pathways between 8:30am and 5:30pm, Monday – Friday. Signs, as pictured, are posted in areas where this policy applies. Bicycles must be walked at all times, over the Class of 1949 (38th St.) Bridge and the 3 pedestrian bridges accessing Penn Park.
Philadelphia Bicycle laws
Please note that it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk if you are over the age of 12.
Safety
A Pennsylvania State Bicycle Manual can be downloaded here. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation provides information on bike safety.
Most of the health care plans provided throught the University of Pennsylvania offer annual reimbursement for bike helmet purchases. Please check with your health care insurance provider.
For more information on bicycle safety from the Federal Highway of Administration, click here.
For more safe riding procedures, and tips for how to prevent theft on campus, please visit Penn’s Division of Public Safety website.
Bicycle Routes and Parking
When possible, it is best to use designated bicycle lanes. Please see links below for maps:
City of Philadelphia Bicycle Map - Provided by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
Philadelphia Regional Bike Map
The University is in the process of creating bicycle corral parking throughout the campus. Bike corrals will be positioned at the perimeter of campus and at key locations. Each corral holds a minimum of twenty bicycles and is video monitored by the Division of Public Safety. To see the location of the corrals, go the Maps section of the Facilities and Real Estate website, check the “bike rack” box to populate the map.
Repair Stations
There are two repair stations available for use by the Penn community. The stations include all of the tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. Hanging your bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments. The stations are located by the Chemistry and Pottruck bicycle parking corrals.