By Alexandra Zimmermann, bicycle coordinator, Commuter Services

One of the largest destinations in the Salt Lake Valley, the University of Utah is certified as a Silver Bicycle Friendly University and an active supporter of bicycle commuting by the League of American Bicyclists. This Thursday, Sept. 17, Commuter Services presents the fifth annual Bike to the U Day as part of the U’s Farmers Market, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Roll on over to Tanner Plaza in the morning to enjoy complimentary breakfast, giveaways and special bike-themed vendors. We’ve partnered with the Sustainability Office to provide a free UBike Valet, so you can enjoy VIP bike parking while you shop.

This year’s celebration features the popular Lock It or Lose It program, hosted by the U’s Department of Public Safety. Register your bike with campus police to receive a free U-lock while supplies last. You must bring your bike and UCard to the market to participate. While you wait, grab some bike lights and safety swag brought to you by Commuter Services’ SAFE (Sidewalks Are For Everyone) program—an outreach campaign dedicated to educating the campus community about shared sidewalk use and on-campus speed limits.

If you’re new to campus, consider biking as a transportation option, or go multimodal and bring your bike on UTA. With more than 5,000 bicycle parking spaces available, bicycling can be a fun, healthy and virtually cost-free way to get around campus. A new layer on the U’s campus map provides information about bike parking and repair station locations. You can even bike to football games—the UBike Valet will be provided at every home football game this semester.

Learn more and stay in touch through Facebook and Twitter, or email U Bicycle Coordinator Alexandra Zimmermann at alexandra.zimmermann@utah.edu.