As a student at the University of Houston, you might have noticed the increasing number of bicycles and scooters around campus this semester. With the rise in their usage, it's crucial to understand the importance of registering your bicycle or scooter with the university. 

Why Register Your Bicycle or Scooter? 

1. Theft Prevention and Recovery: One of the primary reasons to register your bicycle or scooter is to protect it from theft. If your bike or scooter is stolen, having it registered with the university significantly increases the chances of recovery. The registration sticker provides a unique identifier that law enforcement can use to track and return your property. 

1. Campus Safety and Organization: Registered bicycles and scooters help the university maintain a safe and organized campus. By knowing the number of bikes and scooters on campus, the university can plan for adequate parking facilities and ensure that pathways and entrances are not obstructed. 

1. Access to Secure Parking: The University of Houston offers high-security Bikeep stations where you can securely lock your registered bicycle. These stations are located at Butler Plaza and University Lofts, providing a safe place to park your bike while on campus. Registered users can easily access these stations through the UH Go app, adding an extra layer of security against theft. 

1. Community Responsibility: Registering your bicycle or scooter is a simple yet effective way to contribute to the campus community. It shows that you are a responsible member who cares about the safety and well-being of others. Plus, the registration process is quick, easy, and free. 

How to Register Your Bicycle or Scooter 

Registering your bicycle or scooter at the University of Houston is a straightforward process: 

1. Log in to AccessUH. 

1. Click on "myParking Account." 

1. Select the "Permits" from the pull-down menu and click "Get Permits." Additionally, there’s a “Bicycle/Scooter Registration” button on the home page you can click. 

1. Click the red button that says, "Register Bike." 

1. Enter the serial number, model, and color of your bicycle or scooter. You can also upload photos. 

1. Submit the form and visit the Parking and Transportation customer service office in the Elgin Street Garage to pick up your registration sticker. 

Registering your bicycle or scooter at the University of Houston is a small step that can make a big difference. It enhances the security of your property, contributes to campus safety, and helps the university to have enough parking stations so that bicycles and scooters have secure on-campus places to park. 

You may notice a $20 citation placed on unregistered bikes. This is part of an informational campaign to educate the community about the importance of bike registration. Each citation comes with a card stapled to it, explaining that if you register your bike, there will be no charge. The card also includes a QR code with easy instructions on how to complete the free bike registration process. 

So, if you have not registered your bike or scooter yet, take a few minutes to do so today. It's a decision that benefits you and the entire university community.