UMass Boston

UMass Boston offers over 740 free bike parking spaces campus-wide, including:

• West Garage Secured Shelter: 125-space indoor, secure bike storage
• Maintenance Station: Basic maintenance tools are available inside the West Garage

To use the West Garage secure shelter, you must first register your bicycle through Project 529. Once your registration is confirmed, you’ll receive access to the shelter using your Beaconcard.

Full registration details and instructions are available in the “Register Your Bike, E-Bike, Scooter, or E-Scooter” section below.

All bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and e-scooters, can be registered through Project 529. Registration is free, quick, and helps protect your device. Registration is required to access the secure shelter in the West Garage, and strongly encouraged for all riders to support theft prevention and recovery.

Why Register?

• Registration acts as a deterrent against theft when used with the optional 529 Shield.
• Registration helps staff and law enforcement return lost or stolen devices.
• Registration is required for access to the secured, indoor bike parking area in the West Garage.

E-Bike & E-Scooter Requirements

Devices with electric motors must have batteries certified by UL, TUV, or another Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Devices without certified batteries are not eligible for secure shelter access. If certification is missing, Transportation Services will follow up to request additional details.

How to Register

• Use the UMass Boston 529 Registration Page or download the Project 529 app.
• Sign up with your UMass Boston email address.
• Enter your device’s make, model, color, and serial number (usually near the crank or rear wheel).
• Select "UMass Boston" as your organization.
• Submit your registration.

What Happens Next

• Transportation Services will review your registration.
• You’ll receive an email when your Beaconcard has been activated for indoor, secure shelter access in the West Garage.
• After access is confirmed, you may request a free 529 Shield. If requested, we’ll assign it to your registration and notify you when it’s ready for pickup in our office.

What Is a 529 Shield?

A tamper-resistant, weatherproof sticker that links your physical device to your 529 Garage registration. It supports theft deterrence and helps with recovery.

The 529 Shield is optional but strongly recommended.

You’ll find Bluebikes stations at JFK/UMass Station and the Campus Center. UMass Boston affiliates receive a discounted annual membership.

• Annual Cost: $101.50 with promo code BikeUMB
• Short-Term Options: Daily and weekly passes available

How to join:

1. Go to bluebikes.com.
2. Log in or create an account.
3. Select “Annual Membership” and click “Join and Save.”
4. Enter the promo code BikeUMB.
5. Verify your UMass Boston email.

Keep your bike in top shape! UMass Boston offers free maintenance days each April and September, open to students and employees.  

• Includes basic tune-ups and minor repairs
• Sign-ups are requested to manage demand

Employee Benefit: Bike Check Reimbursement
In addition to free tune-ups, employees are eligible for up to two $25 Bike Check reimbursements per year to help cover bike-related expenses such as maintenance, parts, or gear.

Showers are available after your ride at the Beacon Fitness Center.

• Students: Free access to 8 showers
• Employees: $75/year Showership membership

Store your belongings safely after biking.

• Students: Lockers available at McCormack and Wheatley Peters; managed by Student Activities on a first-come, first-served basis
• Faculty & Staff: Lockers accessible through Beacon Fitness Center with Showership membership