Michigan State University is certified as a silver level Bike Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists (as of Nov. 2015; click here to view MSU’s basic profile), but the high population density and unpredictable weather can be quite unfriendly to bicycle hardware and riders.

Two secure bike parking facilities (north and south campus) opened in the fall of 2013 to help alleviate some of those concerns for students, faculty and staff.

View of the Trowbridge Ramp bike garage from the bus waiting area. Features an ATM, heat and good lighting along w/ a video security camera. Inside the bike garage, features a DIY bike repair stand w/ air pump. Nice natural light too. Inside the bike garage, features a DIY bike repair stand w/ air pump. Inside the bike garage, features a DIY bike repair stand w/ air pump.

MSU Bikes, a service unit of MSU Surplus & Recycling, worked with multiple units on campus to develop and install the MSU Bike Garages, enhanced-security parking facilities inside two vehicle parking ramps.

The two locations are inside the car parking ramps on Trowbridge Road and Grand River Avenue.

Did you know that students have free access to indoor bike rooms in many of the residence halls on campus? Check the Live On website details for each res. hall and look for “bike storage”. These are first-come first-served, so best to get a key from the front desk as soon as checking in. Also, because they are shared with other students be sure and lock your bike in these rooms.

The MSU Bike Garages are fenced-in spaces on the ground level, providing protection from theft on all sides and some shelter from the elements. Access is controlled by the university’s card sensor technology seen in buildings across campus, and the caged instead of solid walls provide a safe level of visibility inside and outside the structure.

Inside the facilities, cyclists can lock up their ride in a row of Lightning Bolt™ racks, which are designed to keep bikes upright and work especially well with U-locks. Riders can also take advantage of a Dero Fixit™ station and air pump, similar to the self-serve amenities outside the Bikes Service Center in Bessey Hall.

The bike garage is on the ground floor of the Grand River Parking Ramp just inside the entrance/exit area. Clear signage helps passers-by understand the purpose of the space. A higher-quality rack was used for the bike garages to assure more orderly parking and to keep the bikes upright for longer term use. Clear instructions and information is key.

The Bike Garage in the Grand River Avenue ramp can hold up to 50 bikes, while the one in the Trowbridge Road ramp has space for 23. Annual and shorter term memberships provide are available immediately and provide access to both facilities. Since there is a physical capacity of 73 bikes that can be parked between the two facilities and membership will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

“Campus cyclists now have new options: if you live too far away from campus to ride your bike the whole way you can keep your bike in the garage over night and have it ready to ride once on campus.” said Tim Potter, MSU Bikes’ Sustainable Transportation Manager, who oversees the operations. “Or, if you find the garages too far away from your office consider keeping a 2nd inexpensive bike locked in the garage and then lock your nice bike in the garage and ride the cheaper one to your building.”



One of our customers’ top 10 favorite things about the bike parking garages:

1. Your campus bike (and all its removable parts) will all be there when you need them.

2. Your campus bike will stay dry and rust-free over nights and weekends.

3. It’s lit and safe in the dark winter mornings and evenings.

4. Your campus bike won’t get kicked in on the racks after the bar crawls.

5. You can park your car in the Grand River ramp then jump on your bike to get around campus fast – great during campus construction, game days or when the inner lots are full (that’s all the time.)

6. Leave a bike securely parked on campus and you’ve got easy access to the river trail for weekend rides.

7. Rent is cheap.

8. You get the most optimal parking spot on Grand River.

9. There’s a handy bike pump and repair stand. Super deluxe.

10. Your friends who bike in other cities will be jealous that you have such a luxurious work feature!

(courtesy Marian M. Reiter,

retired MSU staff)

To sign up for the service either come by our Center and fill out our Bike Garage membership application or do it online via this form; we’ll give you a unique frame sticker and get your MSU ID authorized to access both facilities within 24 hrs.

“Many thanks to the MSU Administration, MSU Police and Parking, the All University Traffic and Transportation Committee and many other staff from multiple departments who made these facilities possible.” Tim added.

For more information or if you’re ready to sign up to use the MSU Bike Garages go online here or call the MSU Bikes Service Center at (517) 432-3400 or visit us on the ground floor of Bessey Hall right on the River Trail.