The University Bicycle Resource Center (UBRC) provides a do-it-yourself space with free bicycle classes and is open for bicycle tune-ups for the entire UW campus community.
The UBRC is not open on weekends or UW legal holidays.
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UBRC Hours and Operations
The University Bicycle Resource Center (UBRC) provides a do-it-yourself space and free bicycle classes for the entire UW campus community.
The UBRC is open for do-it-yourself bicycle tune-ups. We provide:
- Do-it-yourself space and free use of tools, air pump and grease, lube and other supplies as available
- Bicycle repair manuals
- Bicycle maps
- Active transportation expertise of our student employees
Fall 2026
| Monday | 2–6 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 3–6 p.m. |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 3–6 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
Location
The UBRC is located in the Helen C. White Garage (Lot 6), in the northeast corner of the ground level of the parking garage. Find on Google Maps.
Questions?
Contact the Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator at 608-263-2969 or charles.strawser@wisc.edu.
The UBRC is staffed by Commuter Solutions student employees who work to encourage the use of active and alternative forms of transportation — especially bicycling, walking, and transit.
UBRC classes
All events are free and open to the UW community. Classes are held in the University Bicycle Resource Center. Attendance is first-come, first-served and no registration is required. First five attendees get a free bike bell!
Fall 2026 class schedule
Getting to Campus Without a Car
August 11, 2026 | Noon–1 p.m.
- Don’t have a car? Couldn’t get a parking permit? Price of gas got you down? Bring your lunch and come talk over your options with an expert.
Front Wheel Flat Fix
September 15, 2026 | 5–6:30 p.m.
- Feel free to bring your bike, just the front wheel, or just watch without your bike. The class will be taught by our excellent bicycle mechanics teacher, India Viola.
Rear Wheel Removal and Re-install
October 13, 2026 | 5–6:30 p.m.
- Ever had a rear flat tire but were intimidated by removing and re-installing the rear wheel? Fear no longer! Get the basic how-tos and expert tips & tricks for removing your bike’s rear wheel. This is a hands-on free class and it’s optimal if you have your bike with you to practice what you are learning in real time. Free class taught by India Viola, local bicycle advocate and educator.
Brake Maintenance
November 10, 2026 | 5–6:30 p.m.
- In this class, we will discuss brakes and minor brake adjustments. Bring your bike to class to identify and learn how to use your barrel adjusters, as well as clean your braking surfaces–or just follow along without your bike.
Biking Through Winter
December 1, 2026 | Noon–1 p.m.
- In this class you’ll learn tips on biking through the winter including lessons learned from a winter bicycling veteran. We’ll provide suggestions for clothing and other gear plus basic winter maintenance tips and available resources. Feel free to bring your brown bag lunch.
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Spring / Summer 2027 class schedule
Building Confidence Riding with Traffic
February 12, 2027 | Noon to 1 p.m.
- Learn the basics of vehicular cycling and keep yourself safe and comfortable while riding in traffic. Class taught by Chuck Strawser, UW Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator.
Shifting and Derailleurs
February 16, 2027 | 5–6:30 p.m.
- Free class taught by bicycle mechanic India Viola. Learn the basics about how your bicycle’s gears work and how to keep them shifting smoothly. Bring your bike for hands-on practice, or feel free to observe.
Chain Cleaning and Lubrication & Annual Maintenance
March 16, 2027 | 5–6:30 p.m.
- Keep your bike running smoothly throughout the year. You will learn and practice best techniques for cleaning and lubricating your chain and other routine maintenance. This is a hands-on class and it’s optimal if you have your bike with you to practice what you are learning in real time. Free class taught in person at the shop by India Viola, local bicycle advocate and educator.
How Bicycle Ball Bearing Systems Work
April 20, 2027 | 5–6:30 p.m.
- The instructor will take apart a wheel hub and demonstrate repacking of wheel bearings. The inner workings of this simple but mysterious bicycle maintenance task will be revealed. Taught by India Viola.
Building Confidence Riding with Traffic
June 1, 2027 | Noon to 1 p.m.
- Learn the basics of vehicular cycling and keep yourself safe and comfortable while riding in traffic. Class taught by Chuck Strawser, UW Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator.
Getting to Campus Without a Car
August 10, 2027 | Noon–1 p.m.
- Don’t have a car? Couldn’t get a parking permit? Price of gas got you down? Bring your lunch and come talk over your options with an expert.
Virtual class video recordings
Classes were held online for the 2020-21 year.
Class recordings are available in a YouTube playlist.
