Although you may know us through automobile parking, Boise State University Transportation & Parking Services is deeply devoted to promoting alternative means of transportation. From bicycling to ridesharing, alternative means of transportation reduce the stress on the environment, alleviate strain on the campus parking supply, and may help save a bit of money too!
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Participating Organizations
- Boise State Carpool
- ValleyRide (Boise Bus Service) (208) 345-RIDE (7433)
- Commuteride (Carpool & Vanpool Services) (208) 345-POOL (7665)
Other Transportation Options
Commuteride
Guaranteed Ride Home Program
Carpool, vanpool, ride a bus, bike, or walk and you are GUARANTEED a ride home in case of emergency!
If you carpool, vanpool, ride a bus, walk, or bike to Boise State,you qualify for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program. Never again worry about needing your car in case of emergency! To get started,register with Commuteride. Registration forms are available at the Boise State University Transportation & Parking Services Office. If you have a valid emergency and need to go home, just call a taxi, pay the fare and submit the receipt to Commuteride for reimbursement. When registered, you are eligible for up to six rides per year or a $300 maximum benefit per year (whichever occurs first).
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.”
John F Kennedy
Bicycling
Boise State University offers a huge amount of support and amenities for those who choose to ride bicycles. In fact, it is the recommended mode of transportation for everyone who wishes to frequent our beautiful campus! As such, we wish to offer as much information as possible for those of you who wish to take advantage of this superior form of travel. Riding a bicycle to and within the Boise State campus has many advantages over driving a car. For one, parking is not an issue. While we do our best to have convenient automobile parking for all Boise State students, guests, and faculty, the simple fact is that each driver will not always find the best parking space for their destination. But, with well over 1000 official bike “parking spaces” on campus, and a bike rack on nearly every corner, those who ride bikes can almost always park at their destination! Add that to the fact that bikes are great exercise, help preserve the environment, and save you money on gas and car expenses… well, you get the idea!
We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone who wants to ride a bicycle to Boise State University. In the following section you will find find information and links which will help keep your bike transit safe and convenient.
Bike Racks/Parking
Boise State University has tons of bicycle parking! There are racks located at or near almost every building on campus. This allows students, faculty, and staff to ride free of worry that they will not be able to lock their bike up close to their class or office.
Bicycle theft and vandalism are real concerns on any college campus, and Boise State is no exception. Campus Security and Transportation & Parking Services personnel do their best to keep a watchful eye, but they can’t be everywhere at once.
The Bike Barn with two locations, one located inside the Brady Garage (University Drive between Earle and Brady streets) and one inside the Lincoln Garage (the corner of University Drive and Lincoln Avenue), the Bike Barn is a fenced-off area that can house more than 65 bikes. Only those who have registered for the Bike Barn have access, via a keycard entry gate. The Bike Barn keeps bikes out of inclement weather and the damage* and additional maintenance costs that go along with it.
The cost for access to the Bike Barns is $15 per semester. For more information, please contact us.
*Boise State University Transportation & Parking Services is not responsible for lost or stolen items in the Bike Barns.
Bicycle Safety
Transportation & Parking Services wants to remind you that, though bicycling has many advantages over driving, proper safety precautions MUST be followed. Always wear a helmet, be mindful of traffic, obey traffic rules, ensure visibility (via bright clothing, reflectors, and lights), and keep your bike maintained properly for maximum performance.
Table of Bicycle Deaths
Ninety-one percent of bicyclists killed in 2008 reportedly weren’t wearing helmets! (Statistics By: www.iihs.org) The following table compares bicycle deaths without a helmet to deaths with a helmet.
| Year | No Helmet Use Number | No Helmet User Percent | Helmet Use Number | Helmet Use Percent | Total (includes other and/or unknowns) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 741 | 98% | 16 | 2% | 757 |
| 1999 | 698 | 93% | 42 | 6% | 750 |
| 2000 | 622 | 90% | 50 | 7% | 689 |
| 2001 | 616 | 84% | 60 | 8% | 729 |
| 2002 | 589 | 89% | 54 | 8% | 663 |
| 2003 | 535 | 85% | 58 | 9% | 626 |
| 2004 | 602 | 83% | 87 | 12% | 722 |
| 2005 | 676 | 86% | 77 | 10% | 784 |
| 2006 | 730 | 95% | 37 | 5% | 769 |
| 2007 | 646 | 92% | 50 | 7% | 699 |
| 2008 | 653 | 91% | 58 | 8% | 714 |
Learn How to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet
- Helmet Fit Checklist (PDF)
- Bicycle Helmet Videos
Plan Your Route
Google Maps has the following features:
- Customized Bike Routes
- Includes the Greenbelt and Other Shortcuts
MapMyRide Website has the following features:
- Customized Bike Routes
- Listing of Recreational Rides in Your Area
- Fitness Training Log
- Boise State Bicycle Congress Routes
- Pre-planned Bike Routes from Many Local Areas
Maintenance Service & Training
Boise State’s Cycle Learning Center, Located in the Lincoln Ave. Garage provides the following services:
- Bike Repair
- Free Compressed Air 24-7
- Education
- Parts and Accessories
- Bike Rentals
- Boise State Bicycle Congress Repair Shops
- Listing of local repair shops
Bronco Biking Class offers:
- A free bike-commuting class held on a weekly schedule
- Learn the rules of the road and the best safety practices
- Not just for cyclists. Anyone is welcome to attend and learn
- Can be used for a citation reduction
Recreational Services
Boise State University Rec Center – Locker and Towel Service provides the following services:
- Showers, Lockers, and Towels for After Your Ride
- Extremely Low Prices
Boise State University Rec Center – Retail Desk offers the following:
- Water, Powerade, Workout Food, Apparel, etc.
- Located Just Within the Rec Center Front Doors
Ridge to Rivers has the following:
- Recreational Biking and Hiking Trail Maps
- Information About Local Wilderness Rides
MapMyRide Routes has a listing of Local Recreational Rides
Policies and Regulations
Idaho State Policies and Resources includes:
- Links to Bike-Related Idaho Policies
- News About Local Bike Resources
Ride the Bus
Students, faculty and and staff ride FREE on all Valley Ride buses! Just get a bus sticker on your Bronco Card (also FREE) at the SUB Info Desk, and go wherever you need to go without ever needing a car! With Valley Ride bus lines that run from Boise State University campus, to downtown, to the mall, to the airport, and most other Boise areas, there’s virtually nowhere you can’t go just for being a Boise State student. Also available for faculty and staff.
Your Boise State Bronco Card is the Key to FREE Bus Transit!
Wherever you see the Valley Ride signs, you can ride for free by showing the driver your Boise State Bronco Card with the “BUS” sticker affixed to it.
If your card does not have a valid bus sticker, you may obtain one for free at either the Transportation & Parking Services Office or at the Bronco Card Office. Transportation & Parking Services is located by the west entrance of the Student Union Building in the Transit Center. The Bronco Card Office is located inside of the Student Union Building.
- Transportation and Parking Contact Us Page – (208)426-7275
- Bronco Card Office website – (208)426-4171
Valley Ride has Many Destinations and Routes for Most People’s Needs
- Many Boise routes with pick-up and drop-off on campus
- Inter-country service, with stops in Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Star, and Middleton
Park & Ride Facilities on Most Routes
Biking and Riding the Bus? No Problem!
Carpool or Vanpool
Let’s face it, not everyone is able to bike or take the bus. In these cases, driving is a must. Fortunately, there are also several carpool or vanpool options available! Help save money and the environment by riding with others on your commute.
Those who wish to carpool to and from the Boise State University campus have several attractive options to choose from. Transportation & Parking Services offers a carpool permit, which allows people to park in special carpool spots all around campus. Commuteride also offers both vanpool and carpool services, which will set you up with other people who share a similar commute.
Boise State Carpool Permits
- Park in special carpool only parking spots, conveniently located all across campus.
- Simply bring two or more similar class or work schedules to the Transportation & Parking Services office to register for a carpool permit (carpool permits are not available for online purchase).
- Cost of a carpool permit is the same as regular reserved permits.
- For more information, contact us (Contact) or call us at (208)426-PARK (7275)
Commuteride Carpool and Vanpool Services
- The most popular carpool or vanpool program in the state!
- Get paired with people in your area with a similar commute.
- FREE TRIAL! The first month of vanpool membership is FREE, and you are under no obligation to continue if not satisfied.
- Boise State University is partnered with Commuteride to provide carpool options for everyone on campus! More details on registering for Carpooling.
- Commuteride Website