Guide to Biking at CWU
Biking at CWU
Essential resources for biking on campus, in Ellensburg, and using OPR’s Bike Share Program
Biking at Central Washington University is a convenient, affordable, and sustainable way to get around campus and the Ellensburg community. Choosing to bike instead of drive helps reduce traffic congestion, lowers carbon emissions, and supports a healthier lifestyle. CWU offers a variety of resources to make biking accessible, such as the Student Green Fund supported Pilot Bike Share program, local trail connections, and campus safety support. Whether you are commuting to class or exploring the area, this guide will help you ride safely and confidently.
Resources
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OPR Bike Share Program
CWU’s Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals (OPR) launched a Bike Share pilot program in Fall 2025 to expand access to sustainable transportation. The program currently includes ten bikes available for student use.
The fleet features high-quality Priority bicycles, the Priority Sauce (single-speed) and Priority Hot Sauce (8-speed.) These bikes are designed for durability, low maintenance, and a smooth riding experience, making them well-suited for both campus commuting and longer rides around Ellensburg. Each bike is equipped with essential safety gear, including a lock, helmet, lights, and a bell, so students have everything they need for a safe ride.
The program is completely free for students, with the goal of reducing reliance on personal vehicles and lowering overall emissions on campus.
All maintenance, upkeep, and repairs are handled by OPR staff, ensuring that bikes remain safe and reliable for users.
Funding for the program is provided by the Student Green Fund, which supports student-led sustainability initiatives across campus. It was imagined and implemented by Caydence Hesch, a former Student Ambassador for the Office of Sustainability and ENST major.
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Bike Trails in Ellensburg
The 7th Ave./Bike Boulevard route offers a low-traffic ride through town and provides a convenient connection to the John Wayne Trail, making it a great option for both commuting and recreation.
The Iron Horse/John Wayne Trail is a mostly flat gravel trail that provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape. This trail is open to multiple users, including hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
Reecer Creek Road offers a relaxed, paved riding experience through open pastures and rural scenery, making it ideal for casual rides.
Highway 10 provides an open road riding option; however, it does not include a designated bike lane. Riders should use extra caution due to higher vehicle speeds, which can reach up to 50 miles per hour.
Before heading out on any ride, it is important to check local wind conditions, as strong winds are common in Ellensburg and can significantly impact riding difficulty.
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General Bike Safety Tips
Wearing a properly fitted helmet is one of the most important ways to protect yourself while riding. A helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury in the event of a fall or collision.
Making yourself visible to others is essential. Riders should wear bright or reflective clothing and use both front and rear lights after sunset. Adding reflective tape to backpacks or bikes can further increase visibility.
Riding in a predictable manner helps prevent accidents and keeps traffic flowing smoothly. Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic and stay on the right side of the road or designated pathways whenever possible.
Maintaining a reasonable speed is especially important on a busy campus. Riders should slow down during peak times, such as the ten minutes before class, and use a bell or audible signal to alert pedestrians when approaching.
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Bike Resources & Support
Students who need bike repairs can visit OPR or stop by the ReCycle Shop located on Main Street for additional assistance.
The City of Ellensburg celebrates National Bike Month every May with events such as group rides, races, and community activities that encourage biking and outdoor recreation:
www.ellensburgwa.gov/bikemonth
For additional support or questions, students can contact Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals by phone at (509) 963-3537 or by email at outdoorpursuits@cwu.edu.
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Bike Safety & Theft Prevention
Registering your bike with campus police is an important step in protecting your property. Registration increases the likelihood of recovering your bike if it is lost or stolen.
Using proper locking techniques can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Riders should use a sturdy U-lock and secure both the frame and at least one wheel to a fixed bike rack.
Taking these precautions not only protects your bike but also contributes to a safer and more secure campus environment.
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Sustainability & Impact
Choosing to bike instead of drive is a simple yet impactful way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support CWU’s sustainability goals.
Biking also helps reduce transportation costs for students while promoting physical health and well-being.
Programs like the Bike Share initiative are made possible through the Student Green Fund, which invests in projects that improve campus sustainability and empower students to take action.
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Quick Links
Register your bike with campus police to improve security and recovery options:
https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/campus-safety/police/resources/online-bike-registration.php
Learn more about the Student Green Fund and how to get involved in sustainability projects on campus:
https://www.cwu.edu/about/sustainability/get-involved/student-green-fund/index.php
View the campus bike rack map to find convenient parking locations:
https://map.concept3d.com/?id=1342#!m/462996?s/?sbc/
Contact OPR for bike rentals, repairs, and additional support:
https://www.cwu.edu/student-life/recreation/outdoor-pursuits-and-rentals/index.php
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