Cyclist on Georgia Tech’s Campus

May 09, 2024

May is National Bike Month, and the spring weather makes it a perfect time to explore options for cycling on and near campus. Georgia Tech has been designated a Gold level Bicycle Friendly University and there’s no shortage of amenities for those who want to enjoy a ride.

May 13 – 19 is Bike to Work Week. For Tech employees, switching to a bike or other alternative mode of transportation can be lucrative — cash incentives are offered through Georgia Commute Options.

Whether you’re a student or an employee, if you’re new to biking on campus, you’re joining a culture of bike enthusiasts. In October, Georgia Tech placed first in the annual Biketober competition.

If You’re New:

• Georgia Tech has more than 4,000 bike parking spaces, including two secure parking areas in the Dalney Building and Tech Square Hotel deck.
• All campus cyclists are encouraged to register their bikes with the Georgia Tech Police Department, which can help with locating bikes in the event of theft. (Scooter owners can also register their scooters through the same system.)
• Parking and Transportation Services offers a virtual bike/scooter safety class covering tips for bike care and rules of the road. Those who complete the class get a free helmet.

Happening This Month:

• Log your rides and compete for prizes with the Love to Ride Bike Month Challenge, May 5 – 19.
• The Atlanta Cycling Festival includes events and rides around the city from May 11 to 18.
• The Midtown Alliance is hosting a Bike to Work Day breakfast in Piedmont Park on Monday, May 13.
• Atlantic Station will host a free bike tune-up event on Wednesday, May 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the fix-it station near Stairwell 14 of the parking garage.
• Georgia Tech Parking and Transportation Services and Propel ATL will host an in-person bike class this month on May 29 at 4 p.m. The ride begins behind the Campus Recreation Center. RSVP and bring a helmet.

Recent Infrastructure Improvements: 

• Georgia Tech has nearly 2.5 miles of active construction for new bicycle infrastructure on campus.
• The Ferst Drive Realignment and Cycle Track project provides new bicycle infrastructure and safety improvements. Phase 1 of the cycle track installation is active along Ferst Drive near the CRC field to Atlantic Drive. Phase 2 is also underway and will include the installation of the cycle track from Atlantic Drive through Fowler Street. Phase 3 will start in June and will realign Ferst Drive at Regents Drive, which will eliminate the traffic signal and enable connectivity to the future planned bicycle infrastructure southwest of campus. The entire project is slated for completion by early 2025.
• East Campus Streetscape Improvements include renovation of sidewalks and roadways to improve pedestrian and micromobility (lightweight, single-person vehicles such as bicycles, scooters, and skateboards) access. Improvements to sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and lighting will align with paving, new curbing, and reconfigured access to Peters Parking Deck for alternative-mode routes. Phase 1, addressing Fourth Street, Brittain Drive, and areas adjacent to Peters, is complete. Phase 2a is also complete, encompassing the area near the Third Street tunnel and adjacent sections of Techwood Drive.
• A Fifth Street Cycle Track is being installed along the north side of Fifth Street in collaboration with the Midtown Alliance. A new traffic signal is being installed at Williams Street, which will provide a dedicated crossing for cyclists to the south side of Fifth, connecting to the Ferst Drive Cycle Track.
• Work at the corner of 10th Street and Northside Drive is nearly complete, providing a multi-use path connection to Hemphill Avenue.
• Follow campus construction plans and progress at facilities.gatech.edu/exterior-projects.

Oct 05, 2023

Usage of micromobility vehicles on campus has drastically increased since 2019, according to Capt. Marcus Walton of the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD). In 2023 alone, nearly 100 students have been seen at Stamps Health Services with injuries from scooter-related accidents.  

Rules of the Road

In keeping with its mission to protect the campus community, GTPD is expanding its education efforts to ensure that users understand the rules of the road, primarily that operating a micromobility vehicle — defined as bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards — carries many of the same responsibilities as a car.

• Micromobility vehicles are considered to be vehicles by state law and cannot be used on sidewalks or in pedestrian crosswalks. If you are crossing the street with a micromobility vehicle, you should step off and walk it across the crosswalk.
• When operating a micromobility vehicle, you must follow the rules of the road, obeying posted signs, traffic lights, and emergency personnel.
• You must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Georgia’s hands-free law also applies to micromobility vehicles, meaning you cannot use your cellphone while riding.
• Operating micromobility vehicles under the influence can result in DUI charges.
• Park your micromobility vehicle near a bike rack and away from the street or walkways.

Posted speed limits apply to micromobility vehicles, and while most do not reach high speeds, Capt. Walton said the department has observed students adding extra voltage to scooters and e-bikes to increase speed.

“We don’t put anything past our engineers,” he said.

The ordinances that govern the use of these vehicles on campus are not developed by Georgia Tech but rather by the City of Atlanta, meaning violations carry the same penalty as most traffic tickets.

“We want students to know that the exact violation you’re committing is the exact violation that a car would commit, and the fine is the same price. If you fail to stop at a stop sign in a vehicle, it would cost you about $250 a ticket. It is the same if you do it on a scooter or a bicycle,” he said.

GTPD hopes to use education to promote safety. In addition to expanding its Communications team, GTPD is coordinating conversations with campus organizations and departments to reach students, faculty, and staff. A comprehensive campus education plan is also in the works that will promote micro-mobility safety year-round online and across campus with digital and physical signage.

Propel ATL’s Georgia Tech Community courses offer cyclists of all skill levels the opportunity to learn the rules of the road in a safe and supportive environment. Learn more.

Safe Practices

Capt. Walton emphasized that all campus community members, including faculty and staff, must abide by the law and are subject to citation. Whether you’re new to micromobility or an experienced rider, keep these safety tips in mind.

• Wear a helmet. Capt. Walton noted that in most accidents, riders were not wearing protective headgear.
• Do not ride distracted. Do not use your phone or listen to music and make sure you can hear the environment around you.
• Watch for Stinger buses pulling away from curbs.
• Do not ride with two people on one scooter or bike.
• At night, make sure your micromobility vehicle has a front light and a reflective red light on the back, and wear reflective clothing.
• Register your scooter with GTPD so that owners can be contacted if a scooter is blocking access or is stolen and recovered.

Drivers have the responsibility of sharing the road with micromobility users. Only pass a micromobility user if there is at least 3 feet of clearance. Drivers should regularly check mirrors and blind spots to avoid potential accidents.

To limit speeding and aggressive driving, GTPD purchased 14 radar speed detection signs earlier this year, and the data collected could eventually lead to reduced speed limits on campus as the Institute’s infrastructure becomes increasingly micromobility-friendly.

Parking and Transportation Services similarly encourages the safe use of micromobility vehicles on campus, offering a free safety class for members of the Tech community. After completing the course, participants receive a free helmet. Helmets can also be purchased from the department for $12.

For additional information regarding micromobility safety on campus, visit GTPD’s website.

Jun 22, 2023

Take Control & Drive Ahead with the NEW Driver’s Seat! 

It’s time to drive ahead! Parking & Transportation Services (PTS) has introduced a brand NEW Customer Portal for all of your parking & transportation needs.

• Increased functionality
• Fresh, up-to-date layout
• Mobile-friendly
• More control
• Better experience

Click here to learn more about the new system and how to use it!

If you currently have an active annual permit, your permit is valid through August 15^th. Permits for the upcoming 2023-24 year are now available. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact support@pts.gatech.edu.

Visit www.pts.gatech.edu for updates. #DriveAhead

Please note that customers will be able to access the new portal using the current Driver’s Seat URL: www.driversseat.gatech.edu.The Driver’s Seat will be down June 28th – 30th as PTS converts to the new system. Please be sure to manage your parking and transportation account needs, including permit purchasing, prior to the conversion period. For emergencies during this period, please contact the 24-hour dispatch at 404-385-7275. For additional updates and information, please visit www.pts.gatech.edu. PTS apologizes for any inconvenience caused during this time. Stay tuned for upcoming information about the new parking management system. 

Parking and Transportation Services would like to introduce its new bus tracking app, TransLoc. This replaces Passio Go and the former Stingerrette nighttime safety shuttle system.  TransLoc will provide fixed route bus tracking as well as on-demand Stingerette safety shuttle now all in one app! TransLoc is used locally by other institutions such as Emory, Kennesaw State, and SCAD.

For more information and to download the app, please visit https://transloc.com/app/

Real-time route information can be found at bus.gatech.edu.

With the summer semester in full swing and the fall fast approaching, you may see more members of the Georgia Tech community finding alternative ways to get around campus with the warmer weather. That means more electric and non-electric bikes, scooters, and skateboards, especially with the addition of Spin Bikes this past semester.

“Over the last few years, we have seen an increase in ridership of scooters, e-bikes, and skateboards on campus,” said Aaron Fowler, Director of Transportation with Parking and Transportation Services. “This has made alternative transportation more accessible to the Georgia Tech community and getting around campus much easier.”

With the increase in the use of different riding devices, along with walking, traffic in some parts of campus will have a wide variety of commuting.

The Division of Student Engagement and Well-Being departments of Stamps Health Services, Parking and Transportation Services, Health Initiatives, and Campus Recreation have collaborated to share tips to make your campus commute safer.

Take a Class

Get comfortable traveling by bike with a free city cycling instructional group ride sponsored by Propel ATL on July 28 at 4 p.m. This in-person class meets behind the CRC on Tech Parkway, near the turnaround parking area, and is expected to occur monthly. This class is designed specifically for members of the Georgia Tech community, including students, staff, and faculty. After a few quick drills, riders will hit the city or campus streets for a 45-minute ride of three to four gentle miles. Class attendance requires a liability waiver and registration.

Ride Smart is a twelve-minute online class that offers an introduction to riding safety in an urban environment whether by bike or scooter. Participate in the comfort of your home and you can even receive a free helmet.

“Riding is great for physical and mental health and can be very safe, but, just like driving, safety increases with knowledge and experience,” said Becky James, chair of Bike Georgia Tech. “The Ride Smart class introduces riders to the basics of riding in an urban environment, and the City Cycling class offers the opportunity to practice handling skills and ride on the road with an experienced rider, which is the best way to learn and build confidence.”

Protect Your Brain & Body

We have some of the best minds at Georgia Tech, so why not do everything you can to protect it! One of the best ways to prevent injuries while riding a bike, scooter, or skateboard is to wear a helmet. Did you know Parking and Transportation Services sells helmets for only $12? Visit their customer service center located on the Ground Level of the E81-Tech Square (the Georgia Tech Hotel) parking deck just inside the Spring Street entrance.

“While wearing a helmet is one way to protect yourself, so is modifying how you use a riding device like reducing your speed, stopping at intersections, and riding in designated lanes,” said Dr. Benjamin Holton, Senior Director of Stamps Health Services. “This past academic year, we saw a significant number of riding injuries coming into Stamps, some of which were very serious. Equipping yourself with resources that teach you how to use your riding device, follow laws, and share the road can have a substantial impact on injury prevention.”

Engage with Student Groups

There are student organizations that you can engage with that provide resources and support riding on campus. Starter Bikes sells used bikes and teaches students how to repair and maintain their bikes. On Fridays, they are open from 4-7 p.m. in the CRC parking deck. On most Thursdays from 5-7 p.m., Starter Bikes offers workshops and group rides. Follow them on Instagram @starterbikesgt or on Facebook to learn more.

Outdoor Recreation Georgia Tech (ORGT) offers mountain biking and bikepacking trips for beginning and intermediate riders. Visit crc.gatech.edu/adventure-trips-0 to learn more. These student organizations provide the opportunity to ride with experienced riders and gain time and experience in the saddle.

Make Sure Your Ride is in Tip-Top Shape

Aztec Cycles brings its mobile repair shop to the Community Market each Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters.  Maintenance of your ride is essential because often there may be students riding on bikes that are not fit for the road, which can cause accidents or injury. To learn more, visit www.aztec-cycles.com.

Complete the ABC Quick Check! It only takes 10 seconds to check the air, brakes, chain, and quick releases before each ride. This is especially important with shareable scooters and bikes. Watch this short video to learn the steps to take to keep you safe.

Tips for Riders

While there are plenty of on-campus resources for you to take advantage of, here are the top tips to keep in mind:

• Per Georgia law, bikes are considered vehicles, and riders must obey traffic laws. Stop at stop signs and red lights, yield to pedestrians, and don’t ride distracted.
• Riding on sidewalks can be more dangerous than riding on the road. Drivers are not expecting someone going as fast as a cyclist on the sidewalk.
• When riding on a shared-use path, ride at the same speed as people walking; when passing, ring a bell or say, “on your left,” and give ample space.

For more Smart Cycling tips, visit www.bikeleague.org/content/smart-cycling-tips-0.

Tips for On-Campus Drivers

On-campus drivers play an important role in the safety of all modes of transportation. Here are a few tips to increase safety for everyone:

• Obey all traffic laws, including Georgia’s Hands-Free Act, and watch for people using all modes of transportation – bikes, scooters, skateboards, and walking.
• When riding on a road with a bike lane, before turning, glance behind and beside you for a rider in the bike lane and check the crosswalk for pedestrians.
• When passing a rider, slow down and pass with care. Per Georgia law, drivers must give 3-feet space when passing a person on a bike.
• Bikes are allowed on all roads except limited-access freeways. Make sure to share the road respectfully with other users.

Although you might commute to campus using various modes, PTS recommends finding alternative ways to get around campus once you’re here. Whether it is walking, taking the Stinger buses, or renting a bike or scooter, you can make it across campus without having to get back into your car. Move Georgia Tech shows you how long it takes to get from one part of campus to another and talks about the impact of active transportation on the environment and your health.

Secure Your Ride

Protecting your ride from theft is also important in maximizing your campus commute.  You can register your scooter or bike through the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) at police.gatech.edu/registration or by bringing it to the police station in person.

Use a U-lock. U-locks offer the best theft deterrence, as they better resist prying and cutting than a cable. U-locks are available on campus with Aztec Cycling. Lock your bike to a rack as they are designed to deter theft, and secure it through the frame or rear triangle. On-campus bikes may only be locked to bike racks, not to trees, railings, signs, etc.

If you need to store your bike after your commute, overnight, or over a campus break, you can use one of the bike rooms on campus. The Dalney (W22) and Tech Square (E81) parking decks feature secure, covered bike parking for commuters. Students, faculty, and staff can access the bike rooms using their BuzzCard, however, bikes must be registered with GTPD. For information about bike storage over a campus break, email commute@gatech.edu.

To learn more about steps to take to stay safe on every ride, the rules of the road, how to properly adjust and wear a helmet, and what to do if you are involved in a crash, check out this Bicyclists Pocket Guide produced by the Georgia Bikes. You can also visit bike.gatech.edu and pts.gatech.edu/bicycling-georgia-tech to learn about riding at Georgia Tech.