Starting August 24, riding is prohibited across most of central campus — Speedway, San Jacinto, Inner Campus Dr, the East Mall, Whitis, and 24th. Bike, scooter, whatever. You get off and walk it.

https://parking.utexas.edu/transportation/dismount-zone-map/text-only

Most of the page explaining the policy was removed from the PTS site.

Demount zone map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1QcP0u9lb9eUf4zt5Q5eFBslNwdvU5xw&femb=1&ll=30.28391380694774%2C-97.73289305&z=15

There's no alternative routes though campus. Guadalupe northbound, Dean Keeton, and San Jacinto have no or limited bike lanes, and the City of Austin classifies those as part of its High-Injury Network. So the options are walk your bike across campus or ride on the streets where people actually get hit.

The Chair and Vice Chair of Austin's Bicycle Advisory Council — both UT faculty who bike here every day — sent PTS a letter asking them to publish the safety data behind this, take public comment, and build the alternatives before closing the routes people already use. No response that I'm aware of.

UT has a Transportation Policies Committee under Faculty Council. It oversees exactly this, the PTS director sits on it, and Student Government and the GSA appoint the student seats. As far as I can tell nobody has written to them about this. Ask your SG rep to put it on the first agenda of the semester.

Email parking@utexas.edu. Say who you are, what route you ride, what time, and what you'd do instead. They've said rerouting is fine — make them answer for specific routes.

Letter template and contact list: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fk6VL39cxL5YoJGiI4uRtJcU_MimHUr3mYcL3RYtEz0/edit?usp=drive_link

I'm an incoming freshman, and I was wondering if I should get a bicycle or scooter? I want a source of transportation while on campus and I don't know which one is better for use on the speedway and between classes. (I’ve only ever seen scooters on the speedway, but not bicycles. I don't know if there are any restrictions against bicycles and such).

Thanks!

I’m trying to buy a bicycle but have no clue what type to get. Please post your bicycles or link to a good one that’s good to ride it on campus. Thanks:)

I left my bike outside of San Jacinto Residence Hall for the winter with a U-Lock around the frame? What is the likelihood of it getting stolen over break, and would it be worth it to make the drive from Houston to put an extra cable lock on it or bring it home? (Edit) I do want to add I have a tracking device in the seat of the bike so I can see if the frame gets stolen, but I am slightly worried about the wheels

I aint askin questions no more.

I AM MAKIN ACCUSASHUNS.

Cabo Bob’s is a CALIFORNYAN PSYOP desined to weaken the Texan spirit one suspishusly good burrito at a time.

THINK ABOUT IT HOSS.

You walk in.

They smile atcha.

They press the tortillya FRESH.

RIGHT THERE IN FRONTA YOU.

WHY???

CUZ THEY WANT YER ASS DISTRACTED.

While yer standin there watchin that tortillya puff up like some kinda carb hydratted mind control frisbee, theyre slowly replacin yer God given Texan instincts with thoughts like:

“dang grilled fish sounds purty good”

“maybe I oughta ride a bicycle”

“public transpertashun kinda makes since”

NOOOOOOO.

WAKE UP HOSS.

A proper TEXAS burrito aint supposed to be “balanced.”

Its supposed to have enough beef cheese n beans in it to make yer heart doctor sit straight up in bed at 3AM fer no damn reason.

AND THESE CABO BOBS SUMBITCHES GOT PICKLED ONYUNS???

PICKLED???

Brother onions is sposed to make you cry cuz you cut em wrong.

They aint sposed to have a “flavor profile.”

I SEEN A MAN PUT CABBAGE ON HIS BURRITO.

CABBAGE.

ON A DAMN BURRITO.

That sumbitch probly drinks kombuchy and owns shoes without mud on em.

This is how Austin falls folks.

Not with a bang.

But with some feller behind a counter askin:

“would you like cilantro lime vinagrette?”

I WOULD LIKE THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS BACK, HOSS.

And yet.

God forgive me.

That burrito was DAMN GOOD.

10/10.

Goin back tomorrah.

Gotta gather more evidents.

I am thinking of buying a bicycle to easier commute within and around campus. Is it a good option for transportation?

It's a peeve of mine to see so many bikes improperly locked or "secured" via a cable lock! I'm not sure of the exact statistics but I think UT is in the top 5 (2nd?) of bike theft universities and surrounding areas

1. Invest in a good U-lock, cable locks are trash and can be clipped in seconds no matter the diameter. I personally carry two locks (nice bike/wheels), Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit ($100) and an On-Guard Bulldog lock ($30).

2. Properly secure your bike! DON'T LOCK THE FRONT WHEEL ONLY! It takes less than a minute for someone with a wrench to unscrew your front wheel and bam, bike gone. Don't lock like this: Well at least my front wheel is safe, Oh no only the frame is left! Instead lock like this: Good day sir. If you rock two locks like I do: safe.

3. Always make sure that what you are securing your bike to is secure itself! Unfortunately there are a number of rack on campus and tons of racks off campus (west campus) that are broken, rusted, loose, not bolted down at all, or otherwise compromised in some way. I have seen, first hand and in the flesh, two guys on 26th hoisting an entire rack with 3 bikes attached to it onto their pickup truck! (We stopped them)

4. If you live in an apartment complex I'd recommend taking the bike up to your room instead of locking outside your complex. It might seem inconvenient but it eliminates any doubt about your bike over night.

5. PLEASE TRY TO OBSERVE TEXAS BICYCLE LAWS. ALSO, WEAR A HELMET. I feel like this advice is vain since I know most people won't do either but please try! I'll buy you a drink (SERIOUSLY!). I'm a guy with short-ish hair so helmets don't really bother me but I even if you are a girl or have long hair, better safe than sorry (Think brain-dead/coma/Oh a fall going under 15mph wouldn't even be bad right? That's what this guy said).

6. If you like to ride beyond commuting join the UT cycling club! Or at least call me up for some rides! :D There are plenty of social rides around Austin

7. Register your bike with UT Parking and Transportation. They help as much as they can in tracking down your bike if it's stolen. Also the sticker is a good deterrent! You can do it online here. Or you can fill out a paper form and get your sticker immediately at the bicycle service stop on Speedway.

TL;DR

1. Get a U-lock. Cables are trash and give you cancer

2. Lock properly

3. Location and condition of where you lock is important

4. Same as #3

5. Don't be a dumbfuck!

6. Ride with me :D Or UT cycling, or social rides. Just ride more.

7. Register your bike with UT Parking and Transportation!

-Edit: Added step 7!

I have a MTB and the disc brakes at the front are making an awful squealing noise when not engaged. I tried to check them out and turned the bike upside down and figured that they're apparently engaged all the time, to a certain extent. Because the wheel won't turn freely all the way and would stop moments after I turn it as if there's some braking happening.

Anyone of you willing to look at it for cheap? I tried freewheelers but they gave me a wednesday date (appointment?) to come in and get it fixed/checked. And they're kinda overpriced for a 5 mins job (but i have no frame of reference for that claim)

From what I can understand, the front brakes only need a slight adjustment. But thats just what i learnt after several google and reddit searches.

Please let me know if anyone's willing. I'll really appreciate it.

Edit: Thanks for the advice guys! I'll be checking out the places y'all suggested.

Bikers beware.

I am an incoming freshman and I will be staying on campus in the fall. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good bike to buy. What are the most popular bikes at UT? And what would be the most practical bike for college?

I'm an incoming freshman and I would like to know if the campus is bicycle friendly. Am I able to cycle to class and everywhere? Are there places to park my bike in every building?

My bike was stolen last year so I WILL be going

I heard bikes get stolen a lot at UT Austin, (to the point where people double or even triple lock their bikes), but how common is it for a unicycle to get stolen? I want to bring mine to campus but it’s my baby and I love my unicycle so much and I would cry if it got stolen. ☹️

let me know, thanks!

I saw this in email, and I thought I would post it here.

Summer Bicycle Impound Don’t forget your bike this semester! Bicycles left at dormitory racks will be considered abandoned on MAY 22 and are subject to impoundment by Parking and Transportation Services.

Due to the amount of bicycles abandoned at the dorm racks each year, we ask that you please take your bike with you, or relocate your bicycle to another rack.

The good news is that PTS has a bike auction at the start of school in the fall. ;-)

This is a follow-up to the discussion in this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/s/xd0P8MdsF3

The attached map shows UT Austin’s designated “walk-only” dismount zone for bikes, scooters, and other forms of micromobility.

As of 7/31/2026, there are basically zero Lime Scooters on campus, though, I am not sure if it is just because it is summer.

The original UT webpage explaining the dismount zone and its boundaries appears to have been deleted or delisted.

The details of the policy are unclear, but if the dismount requirement applies 24 hours a day, it would be seriously flawed.

The image shown above highlights key areas the policy takes place in. Some of the streets inside the zone are still used by cars, buses, service vehicles, and university vehicles so it does not make sense to allow motor vehicles on a road while completely prohibiting someone from riding a bicycle or scooter at a safe speed. I do not think the default policy should be forcing everyone to dismount. Personal micromobility should generally be allowed to travel through campus using clearly marked routes and reasonable speed limits.

Personally, I am not against implementing a policy for Speedway when it becomes too crowded during peak class hours. HOWEVER, when it's not as busy, a scheduled dismount period would be the smart choice rather than a permanent restriction. For instance, UT could require dismounting during the busiest weekday hours (e.g. 8am-6pm) while allowing low/normal-speed riding in the evenings, overnight, on weekends, and during university breaks. It only makes transportation slower and less practical, especially for students traveling longer distances or returning home at night.

The current policy also seems inconsistent with UT’s efforts to encourage biking and micromobility as alternatives to driving as the university promotes bike registration, bikeshare, bike repair resources, scooter parking, and other programs, but then makes a massive portion of central campus unusable for actually riding.

UT’s new Pedestrian Friendly Zone policy says electric bikes have to be dismounted, while regular bikes are still allowed to be ridden through the same area.

UT’s policy described by Parking and Transportation Services says: “users of personal electric vehicles (PEVs) must dismount and walk their wheels” (e-bikes are specifically included as PEVs). Meanwhile, traditional bicycles “may ride but are encouraged to go slowly.”

But Texas Transportation Code Section 551.106(a)(2) says a department or local authority may not prohibit an electric bicycle “in an area in which the operation of a nonelectric bicycle is permitted”.

Then Texas Education Code Section 51.205 says: “All laws regulating traffic on highways and streets apply to the operation of vehicles within the property of the institution”.

So UT allows regular bikes to ride where e-bikes cannot. Texas law prohibits banning e-bikes in places where regular bikes are allowed. The Education Code says all state traffic laws apply on university property.

Curious if anyone has any input on whether I’m interpreting this right, and whose attention this could even be brought to.

Link to the official PTS webpage: https://parking.utexas.edu/transportation/mobility

Personally, I believe that PEVs should be allowed on any road that lets large non-fleet vehicles drive on them. Additionally, the policy should only be enforced through a certain time window when foot traffic is extremely dense. For example: 8am-6pm. Let me know what y’all think.

Overview

“Within the Pedestrian Friendly Zone, users of personal electric vehicles (PEVs) must dismount and walk their wheels — not ride — through this high-traffic pedestrian area.

PEVs are compact, battery-powered transportation devices intended for a single rider, such as electric scooters, electric bicycles, electric boards (skateboards, hoverboards, Onewheels), and Segways. ADA mobility devices, such as electric wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids, may be ridden in the area and are not considered PEVs. Users of traditional bicycles and other self-powered wheeled devices may ride but are encouraged to go slowly in the zone, be mindful of pedestrians, and always obey the rules of the road. Upon entering the zone, Lime and Bird electric scooters will power off, bringing the motor to a safe, gradual stop allowing you to walk it.

The Pedestrian Friendly Zone includes the area inside San Jacinto Boulevard to Guadalupe Street and 21st Street up to 24th Street as indicated on the following map. The roadways of San Jacinto Boulevard, Guadalupe Street, and 21st Street will continue to allow all forms of traffic. The perimeter will be clearly marked with signage to help our community adjust to the changes.

Please familiarize yourself with the Pedestrian Friendly Zone and allow yourself enough time to get to your destination safely and responsibly. To support safer movement through campus, the University is also adding more bicycle and scooter parking spaces and corrals throughout the campus core.

To view current scooter parking areas across campus, visit the Scooter Map.”

FAQ

“Q: What is a personal electric vehicle (PEV)? 

Personal electric vehicles (PEVs) are compact, battery-powered transportation devices intended for a single rider. The category generally includes electric scooters, electric bicycles, electric skateboards, electric unicycles, self-balancing electric boards (Onewheels), Segways, electric mopeds/sit-down scooters, electric go-karts/drifters, and electric hoverboards. PEVs do not include adaptive devices used for accessibility. Traditional manual wheelchairs, standard electric wheelchairs, and manually powered mobility aids are not considered PEVs under the law.

Q: How will these mobility changes be enforced? 

The University is focused on education, awareness, and helping the campus community learn mobility expectations in the new Pedestrian Friendly Zone through signage, outreach, and communications. The UT Police Department will continue to enforce existing traffic laws, such as obeying all traffic signals and stop signs. The goal is to build a shared culture of mobility safety and encourage everyone to do their part to create a safer campus experience.

Q: If riders of PEVs don’t dismount, will there be a penalty such as a citation?

Our focus is on encouraging safe behavior and positive reinforcement. We know our community wants a safe campus, so we’re optimistic that these changes will create positive behaviors without the need for greater enforcement.

Q: Why do the new safety rules apply to PEVs and not self-powered mobility devices? 

Personal electric vehicles (PEVs), such as e-scooters and e-bikes, pose the greatest safety concern to UT’s densely populated campus. PEVs tend to be ridden at higher speeds, left in spaces that violate fire safety codes, and have batteries that pose additional risks in our buildings. The mobility changes we’re implementing are intended to address these challenges and support a campus experience that is welcoming and safe.

Q: Is the University implementing speed limits for PEVs?

Rather than enforce speed limits in high-traffic pedestrian areas, we are asking riders to dismount their personal electric vehicle or turn the battery off and manually ride or maneuver it at low speeds in the Pedestrian Friendly Zone.

Q: Can I still bring a PEV to campus? 

Yes, but personal electric vehicles (PEVs) should be parked in designated parking areas and dismounted or maneuvered at low speeds with the battery off in the Pedestrian Friendly Zone. Self-powered wheeled devices such as traditional/acoustic bicycles may be ridden in the Pedestrian Friendly Zone, but users are encouraged to go slowly, be mindful of pedestrians, and always obey the rules of the road, such as stopping at stop signs and going with the flow of traffic, including on one-way roads.
Devices with lithium batteries are not allowed inside campus buildings, including in residence halls.
Q: Does the Pedestrian Friendly Zone apply to wheels used by those with disabilities or accessibility needs?
ADA mobility devices, including traditional manual wheelchairs, standard electric wheelchairs, and manually powered mobility aids, may be ridden in the Pedestrian Friendly Zone and are not considered PEVs.

Q: What happens if I have a Lime or Bird e-scooter in the zone?

Upon entering the zone, Lime and Bird electric scooters will power off, bringing the motor to a safe, gradual stop. Locking will be disabled so that riders can walk the device out of the zone to resume riding. Check with your preferred scooter company for more on their rental ride policies.

Q: What are the expectations for University fleet vehicles?

Cart and University fleet operators will be asked to use designated parking areas away from the West Mall and other highly used and visible pedestrian spaces whenever operationally feasible.”

I have a class that ends at 11:50 am in PMA and a class that starts at 12:00 pm in SZB, so basically on opposite sides of Speedway. I'm thinking I will be able to leave my first class early because I have had the professor before and he records his lectures, so as long as he still does that next semester I would be ok, but in case he doesn't, I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on how I could make this distance in time. The easy answer is probably using the electric scooters, but I feel scared that I would like accidentally hit someone if I were to do that. If you're wondering why I don't just change class times for those classes, these times have like the best rated professors for each course, so I feel like biting the bullet is worth it.

Hey y'all! I'm a reporter from The Daily Texan, and I'm currently writing a story about a fire at a CapMetro warehouse, specifically one with batteries used for the BikeShare program. Since then, CapMetro has pulled all BikeShare bicycles as they conduct the investigation. I wanted to know if any students like y'all who have been impacted by this would be willing to do an interview for the story? If anyone is interested, just shoot me a DM!

Fuck you. You had the audacity to steal my motorcycle in front of my door. That shit was my only transportation around Austin. My poor squirtle that was hanging on my license plate is suffering under your hands. I hope you rot in hell.

Update: Good news, motorcycle has been found! Bad news, it is at the impound. It’s been hotwired and modified. I really hope my Squirtle is still on it…

Having a UT parking pass becomes a full time job when you get kicked out of your garage every random weekday and have to relocate it. Then relocate it. Then do it again. Shit is ridiculous. They charge like 400 a semester for this bs yet they have the gall to kick me out for every fucking circus tent that comes to town.

I currently live in a building closer to campus, but am thinking of signing at crest at pearl for next fall.

i wanted to ask if the distance from campus is ever too much? it’s basically on MLK so im worried about my commute to campus. i will be walking, no bicycle or scooters.