-
Biking can be fun, improve health, and reduce transportation costs for individuals, as well as decrease vehicle emissions. UAB is committed to creating and supporting a bike friendly culture in and around campus.
-
Register Your Bicycle
Registration helps with recovery of stolen property, or in case a bike is deemed abandoned. You can register online or at the UAB Transportation Office.
-
Use the Bike Parking Map
Learn where to park your bike on campus on the Bike Parking Map
-
Always Lock Your Bike
- Use a U-lock to secure your wheels and seat. Use a cable lock as a secondary lock.
- Always lock your bike to a designated bicycle rack. Keep in mind that campus enforcement staff may impound bikes locked to rails.
- Remember that most stolen bikes either aren’t locked, have a single cable lock, or are out of plain site.
-
Be Visible
Ensure your bike is visible to traffic by using:
- Headlight
- Rear lights
- Reflectors/reflective tape
Make Eye Contact:
- Establish eye contact with motorists to ensure they know you are on the road.
Use Hand Signals:
- Signal all turns ahead of time
- Check over your shoulder
- Make your intended move when it is safe to do so.
-
Obey Traffic Laws
As a vehicle, bicycles must obey all of the road rules.
- Bicycle on the road in the same direction as traffic. Even though they lack a motor, bicycles are considered road vehicles just like cars and trucks.
- Stop at red lights and stop signs, and obey other signs (i.e. one-way street, yield, etc.), just like you would in a car.
- Use marked bike paths or lanes when they are available.
-
Perform Safety Checks
Helmet: (MANDATORY)
The leading cause of death in bicycling accidents is head injury.
- Fit firmly without squeezing
- Make sure it is low in front to cover the forehead
- Straps should meet at a point just below and in front of your ears
- Chin strap should fit snug at the back of your chin
- Never wear a helmet that has been in a crash.
Tire Pressure:
Correct tire pressure is printed on the tire. Always check the tires before riding your bicycle.Wheels and Spokes:
Check for worn tread or loose/broken spokes.Brakes:
Depress the brake levers or, on some bikes, pedal in reverse. You should feel the brake firmly engage and prevent wheels from turning. Also, check your handbrakes.Chain:
Your chain should be tight and free of obstructions. -
Know How to Prevent Accidents
Left Turn Accident Prevention:
- Make eye contact with the approaching driver before turning.
- Assume the driver does not see you.
- Point your intended route to the approaching driver.
Crossing a Street:
When crossing a street in a crosswalk, you must be traveling at pedestrian speed (less than 5 mph). This will give motorists a chance to see you and stop while you cross.Right Turn Accident Prevention:
Keep to the center of the lane when approaching an intersection. This will help to avoid the driver passing you before making the right turn.Parked Car Open Door Accident:
- Watch cars parked in front of you while riding
- Watch for brake lights and heads visible through the rear window.
- Keep as far left of a parked car as practical.
Riding on the Road:
Bicycles are required to travel in the same direction as cars. Cyclists shall not ride more than two abreast on a roadway, except on paths set aside exclusively for bicycles. While vehicles are required by Alabama state law to provide a 3-foot minimum space when passing, be aware of conditions and surroundings to avoid reckless or overly impatient drivers.
-
Register Your Bicycle
-
While UAB does not have a bicycle permitting requirement, registration is easy and free. Registering identifies you as the owner of your bicycle, which is important in case of theft or if your bicycle is deemed abandoned.
While supplies last, students receive a free helmet and u-lock with registration. Registration can be completed online or in person at the UAB Transportation office. Permit stickers will be mailed if registered online. Helmets and u-locks must be picked up in person at the UAB Transportation office.
-
Bike Policy
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has detailed policy on bicycles and other wheeled mobility devices. Learn more below :
-
Map of Bicycle Parking & Lanes
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has published this map to aid cyclists. The first layer represents buildings on campus. Select individual building to see if it allows for transporting bicycles indoors (for employees).
The second layer represents the most current locations of bike racks on campus. Cyclists are urged to use facilities that are suitable for their individual cycling skills while adhering to the UAB Bike Policy. -
Bike Locker Program
Bicycle lockers safeguard your bicycle by providing protection from theft, vandalism, and inclement weather. The lockers are designed to hold one bicycle each as well as bicycle gear. UAB’s School of Medicine hosts 22 bike lockers on the ground floor plaza of the Lister Hill Library.
- The lockers are approximately: 4' high x 6'5" deep x 3' wide at the opening and narrows toward the back.
- Most standard bicycles will fit inside. Longer bicycles such as tandem bikes or some recumbent bikes will not fit into the lockers.
- To rent a locker, you can apply at the UAB Transportation office.
All locker rentals cost $40.00 per semester, and are subject to availability. Permit fees can be charged to your student account or paid in the UAB Transportation Office.
Lockers are rented on a semester-to-semester basis. Current locker holders will have first priority for rentals the following semester.
-
Information needed for registration
- Your name
- Address
- Contact phone number
- Email address
- Primary work/study location (building and room number)
-
Locker access
Once you have been assigned a locker, you will be given the locker number.
You must apply a padlock of your choice (key or code) to the locker to prevent others from occupying the locker.
Keep your padlock on the locker at all times, only removing the padlock to put your bike in or take it out. The locker is for your use only during the rental period.
-
Renewal
Current locker holders will have first priority for rentals the following semester.A renewal can be done by contacting the Transportation Office. All current permit holders will be contacted in advance of the expiration date to inquire if they want to renew.
UAB’s campus workplace and educational structure has evolved during the past few years. UAB Transportation wants to understand how those changes have affected the way employees and students commute to provide the best possible service. So, we’ve partnered with UAB Sustainability and Virginia P. Sisiopiku, Ph.D., professor and Transportation Program Director, to conduct the 2023 UAB Commuter Survey.
The survey will be emailed to all employees and students March 21st and will be closed April 4th. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.
Read more: Transportation conducting survey to understand commuter habits
Several UAB Transportation services will be suspended in observance of UAB's spring break, March 13-19.
Read more: Transportation services interrupted during spring break
-
Visitor parking is available throughout the university campus and medical district. Off-street parking is available in designated facilities by contacting the UAB Transportation office. Some departments may also make special arrangements with UAB Transportation to accommodate visitors. Campus departments do not have the authority to create their own visitor parking pass without written approval by UAB Transportation. Furthermore, the City of Birmingham maintains over 1,500 on-street parking spaces adjacent to the campus and medical district. Information on clearance heights for parking decks can be found here.
-
Bus Parking
Bus parking is available in designated spaces in zone E-1. This lot is located on 11th Street South between University Boulevard and 6th Avenue. Visitors or departments expecting to need bus parking must contact the UAB Transportation office at 205-934-3513 to reserve a space for your event.
-
RV Parking
The university does not provide on-campus RV parking. There are several camp sites located within the area that may meet your needs. Below is a list of the closest locations to the campus:
- KOA Pelham: 205-664-8832
- KOA Tannehill: 205-477-4778
- Oak Mountain State Park: 205-620-2527
- Tannehill State Park: 205-477-5711
- Zamora Park, Pinson: 205-680-2157
-
Bus Parking
-
Visitor Parking at UAB Medical Center
UAB Hospital visitors can range from patient's families to study participants. The parking facilities below are intended solely for use by UAB Medicine patients, their visitors, and study participants. Click the appropriate clinic or program for more details on parking options:
-
4th Avenue Parking Deck
Enter near the corner of 18th Street South and 4th Avenue South
- Patients and Visitors Only (No Employees or Students)
- 0-1 hour: $3.00
- Each additional hour: $1.00
- Daily maximum: $10.00
- 7-day Pass: $50.00
- 30-day pass: $160.00
- Owned and operated by UAB Educational Foundation
*Patient discounts available
View map and directions -
17th Street Parking Lot
Enter near the corner of 17th Street South and 4th Avenue South (Across from the UAB Women & Infants Center)
- Flat daily rate: $7.00
- Weekly pass: $20.00
- Monthly pass: $75.00
-
Civitan-Sparks Clinics Parking
Enter from 20th Street South into the gated lot to the right of the front entrance. Information about parking is available on the Civitan Sparks UAB website.
-
Community Care Building
Enter the alley off 9th Avenue South, between 19th and 20th Streets South. Limited visitor spaces behind the building are monitored by an attendant. Use the University Boulevard Deck if no spaces are available.
-
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services
14th Street Parking Deck. Enter near the corner of 14th Street South and 7th Avenue South.
- 0-1 hour: $3.00
- Each additional hour: $1.00
- 11 hours or more: $13.00 (Resets after 24 hours)
-
The Kirklin and Whitaker Clinics of UAB Hospital
Enter by the corner of Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd and 6th Avenue South
View map and directions.
- 0-1 hour: $2.00
- Each additional hour: $1.00
- Daily Maximum (Patient): $6.00
- Daily Maximum (Non-Patient): $12.00
- Valet is available for $7.00 in front of The Kirklin Clinic
-
Nutrition Sciences Studies (Webb Clinic)
Enter from 9th Ave South, between 16th and 17th Streets South (to the left of Student Wellness)
- Nutrition Sciences (at the Webb Clinic) has several reserved parking spaces for study or trial participants.
- Spaces next to Student Wellness require a permit to be displayed.
- Contact your study or trial to request a permit in advance of your appointment.
-
Spain Rehabilitation/Center for Psychiatric Medicine/Civitan International
Enter from 6th Avenue South.
- 0-2 hours: $3.00
- Each additional hour: $1.00
- Daily maximum: $8.00
- Non-validated tickets: $25.00
- Weeknights after 5:00 p.m./weekend: $3.00 flat rate
- Valet is available at no additional charge
-
UAB Callahan Eye Hospital
Enter from University Boulevard, between 17th and 18th Streets South.
- Deck is for patients and visitors of the Callahan Clinic only
- Non-validated tickets: $20.00
- Operated by the UAB Callahan Eye Hospital
This facility operates its own parking deck adjacent to the building. The deck is for patients and visitors of the building only. Those not doing business in the building are charged $15.00 to park. View map and directions.
-
UAB Hospital-Highlands
Free parking is available for patients and visitors to the hospital only (no students). Parking is conveniently located in the lot across 13th Street South from the main entrance and in a deck on 12th Street South across from the emergency room.
Valet parking is available for $5.00. -
University Boulevard Parking Deck
Enter near the corner of 19th Street South and University Boulevard.
- 0-1 hour: $2.00
- Each additional hour: $1.00
- Daily maximum: $6.00
- Limited spaces available
-
Women and Infant's Center
Enter from 18th Street South, between 5th and 6th Avenues South. View map and directions.
- Monday to Friday
- 0-1 hours: $5.00
- 1-2 hours: $7.00
- 2-3 hours: $9.00
- 3-24 hours: $11.00
- Saturday and Sunday
- Flat rate: $7.00
- Valet is availablef for WIC patients at no additional charge.
- Monday to Friday
-
Youth Advancement Parking
The Youth Advancement Program has limited visitor parking available at its building in Lot 14. These spaces require a permit to be displayed. To request a permit in advance of your appointment, contact the clinic or department you are visiting.
-
4th Avenue Parking Deck
-
Visitor Parking On Campus
-
14th Street Parking Deck
Enter near the corner of 14th Street South and 7th Avenue South
- 14th Street Parking Deck
- 12th Street Parking Deck (Zone B-1)
- 0-1 hour: $3.00
- Each additional hour: $1.00
- 11 hours or more: $13.00 (Resets after 24 hours)
Campus Tours are operated out of the Hill Student Center. Visitor parking is located in 14th Street Parking Deck. More information on Campus Tours parking and driving directions can be found at UAB Admissions.
Student orientation parking is available in Zone B-1. View on map. -
Alys Stephens Center
There are several lots surrounding the Stephens Center that are available for evening performances:
- Zone F-1
- Zone F-3
- 12th Street Parking Deck (Zone B-1)
- Zone B-2
-
Bartow Arena
Evening and weekend events in the Bartow Arena are supported by the following parking areas:
- 14th Street Parking Deck
- 12th Street Parking Deck (Zone B-1)
- Zone D-1
- Zone D-2
- Zone D-3
Day event parking is prearranged. Check with your event sponsor for details.
Find directions to the arena on the UAB Athletics website.
-
Campus Recreation Center
14th Street Parking Deck is the designated parking area open for Campus Recreation Center visitors.
-
Campus Tours/Orientation
Campus Tours are operated out of the Hill Student Center. Visitor parking is located in Lot 5A. A permit is required to park in the designated tour spaces. More information on Campus Tours parking and driving directions can be found at UAB Admissions.
Student orientation parking is available in Zone B-1. View on map.
-
Collat School of Business
Enter from 13th Street South, between University Boulevard and 6th Avenue South.
- Collat School of Business has visitor spaces that require a permit be displayed.
- Contact the Collat School of Business to obtain a permit upon your arrival.
-
Hill Student Center
Parking is available at the 14th Street Parking Deck.
- 0-1 hour: $3.00
- Each additional hour: $1.00
- 11 hours or more: $13.00 (Resets after 24 hours)
Metered parking is available on 7th Avenue South and 14th Street South.
Meters are operated and enforced by the City of Birmingham -
Honors House
On-street metered parking is available on 10th Avenue South
-
Jerry D. Young Memorial Field
Young Memorial Field is home to UAB Baseball. Parking during games is available in Zone F-1, Zone B-1 and Zone B-2.
-
Nutrition Sciences Studies / Webb Clinic
Enter from 9th Ave South, between 16th and 17th Streets South (to the west of Student Health)
- Nutrition Sciences/Webb Clinic has several reserved parking spaces for study or trial participants.
- Spaces require a permit to be displayed.
- Contact your study or trial to request a permit in advance of your appointment.
-
School of Dentistry
The School of Dentistry is served by the University Boulevard Deck and Lot 88. Metered parking is located in front of the school on 7th Avenue South.
-
Sterne Library
On-street parking is available around Sterne Library along 10th Avenue South and 13th and 14th Streets South.
-
Student Health
Enter from 9th Ave South, between 17th and 18th Streets South
- Student Health has visitor spaces that require a permit be displayed.
- Check-in with Student Health upon arrival for a permit.
-
UAB Administration Building
Enter from University Boulevard or 20th Street South.
- Visitor parking is located in the deck connected to the building.
- Parking is free, but there is a time limit of one hour.
-
UAB Eye Care
Enter from University Boulevard, between 16th and 19th Street South.
UAB Eye Care has its own visitor lot accessible by using the intercom at the entrance.
-
14th Street Parking Deck