- Obey traffic signals
- Ride WITH traffic, as far to the right as possible
- Don't ride on the sidewalk
- Be predictable and visible
- Do not wear headphones
- Wear a helmet
- Use bike lights
- Avoid biking near parked cars
If your bike is stolen, use the alert feature on the 529 Garage app to notify the community. You should also go directly to the University Police to file an official report.
Bicycle registration is mandatory and FREE:
Please note: You cannot register your bicycle unless you have the physical bicycle with you upon arrival at the Hawk Wheels Bike Support Office.
To register your bike you will need:
The most common place to find the bike serial number is on the underside of the crank. It's engraved in the bike and is unique to each individual bicycle.
Each time before you ride make sure:
In North Carolina, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. As such, N.C. traffic laws require bicyclists to:
Bikes racks are available on campus, so if you have a bicycle on campus, only lock it to a bike rack. Please help us "end the cycle" of bicycles being locked to handrails, light poles, trees, signs, benches, etc. If you don't see one available, look for one - most buildings have bike racks located on the side entrances and exits.
If your bike is locked to a handrail, call box, or if it is blocking any pedestrian access, the bicycle could be impounded without warning.
Bicycles or mopeds may not be chained or otherwise secured to handrails or traffic signs, or placed in any manner which may create a safety hazard by obstructing passageways, stairs, entrances or exits.
Bicycles impeding pedestrian traffic, including access for the disabled, may be impounded without prior notification and an administrative fee of $25 will be charged.
UNCW has the authority to use whatever means necessary to impound illegally parked bicycles; locks and chains are removed at the owner's expense. The university will not be held liable for bikes or securing devices (locks) that are damaged during impoundment. Proof of ownership is required to claim impounded bicycles. Unclaimed bicycles are disposed of in accordance with the N.C. General Statutes.
Bicycles are removed across campus periodically and systematically to make sure there is ample space for current students and their bicycles.
Warning tags are placed on bicycles that will be removed. The warning tag will show the earliest date that the bike will be removed.
Over summer break the residential areas are cleared of all bikes. If a bike is remaining on campus AND is still in use, the owner will need to have their bike properly registered and display the proper summer registration tag. This will prevent the bike from being removed during the summer removal process. Summer registration tags can be obtained from alternative transportation at the HUB.
If you find that you no longer use your bicycle, please contact us to voluntarily surrender it. We will donate the bike in our next donation process. The voluntary surrender can be initiated by email.
Alternative Transportation
Summer 2024 Office Hours (May 20 - July 25) : Monday - Friday, 9:00a - 3:30p
Fall 2024 Office Hours (Aug 12 - Dec 23) : Monday - Friday, 8:30a - 4:30p
Spring 2025 Office Hours (January 2 - May 17) : Monday - Friday, 8:30a - 4:30p
Gary Shell Cross City Trail - from James EL Wade Park to the Wrightsville Beach bridge
River to Sea Bikeway - from downtown Wilmington to Johnny Mercer's Pier on Wrightsville Beach