- 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
Bicycles
- Just three hours of bicycling per week can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by 50 percent.
- A few trips every week made on a bike instead of in a car can save you money on gas and reduce the wear and tear on your car.
- Over 70 percent of CO2 emissions are contributed to fossil-fueled transportation.
- Traffic congestion causes 4.8 billion hours of delay annually and 3.9 billion gallons of wasted fuel, totaling $115 billion of wasted gasoline.
- Get places quickly and more conveniently.
- It's free!
- Registration deters theft. A registered bike is less likely to get stolen.
- Registration helps prove it is yours! In the event that your bicycle is missing, registration is the only real way to prove that it belongs to you.
- Registration helps to stay connected. If your bicycle is parked somewhere it should not be and needs to be moved or if it is recovered by campus police, there is no way to contact you if your bike is not registered.
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:
- Bring your bike to the Hawk Wheels Bike Support Office located in the Hub.
- We will assist you in getting your bike registered.
- Your registration will be effective for the entire time you are with UNCW.
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:
- Bike make
- Bike model
- Serial number
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:
- The tires have enough air
- The brakes work (cables aren't stretched and brake levers are stern)
- Items such as the chain and gear are in good working order
- Use a kickstand so your bike doesn't fall over
- Lock your bike by the frame! Do not lock your bike by the wheel
- Only lock your bike to a designated bike rack
- Take your bike inside over holidays when class is not in session
- Clean and lubricate your bike's chain and gears regularly to avoid rust and build-up. This maintenance is especially important due to the salty Wilmington air.
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Tips for Safe Cycling
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Bicycle Laws
In North Carolina, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. As such, N.C. traffic laws require bicyclists to:
- Ride on the right in the same direction as other traffic
- Obey all traffic signs and signals
- Use hand signals to communicate intended movements
- Equip their bicycles with a front lamp visible from 300 feet and a tail light or rear reflector that is visible from a distance of 200 feet when riding in low light conditions
- Yield to pedestrians
- Be subject to DWI and careless and reckless driving laws
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End the Cycle
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.
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Enforcement
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.
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Bicycle Removal
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.
Wheel It or Deal It
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.
Transportation Questions?
Alternative Transportation
Hawk Wheels Bike Support Office
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
Biking Maps
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