Securing Your Bike

Free Bike Cages!

There are multiple bike cages in Longwood Medical Area (LMA) and a cage at the Landmark center. There is a separate process to register for each location. Some notes on the use of bike cages:

You must register your bike before using the bike cages
You cannot use the bike cages for long-term bike storage (intention is for daily commuting)
A Harvard ID is required for tap access to the LMA bike cages
You must be based in a Harvard Longwood Campus Building (HDSM, HMS, HSPH) to register for the LMA cages
While the bike cages are covered, they can still get wet inside when it rains
There are bike pumps and fix stations near the Goldenson and Vanderbilt Hall cages

How to Register for LMA Bike Cages

Fill out the registration form online
- Usually 48 hours later (excluding weekends) the tap access will be enabled. If your tap is not working after 72 hours please email – HMS Parking Office at parking@hms.harvard.edu
- Note, the decal will be mailed to you, typically after the tap access has been activated
You’ll need your bike’s serial number, manufacturer, model, and color to fill out the form
Put the Harvard decal sticker on your bike, upon receipt
You’re good to go! Now your HUID will let you into any of the bike cages on the Longwood campus.

How to Register Landmark Center Bike Cage

You must fill out the Bike-Cage-Agreement to register for the bike cage in the Landmark Building
- This cage is only for full-time employees, faculty, or students who have an office at Landmark
The cage is located in the parking garage under Landmark Center.

Problems?

If you have any trouble with the bike cages on the Longwood campus, call the Harvard Longwood Campus Commuter Services and Parking Office at 617-432-1111 or email at parking@hms.harvard.edu
If you have any trouble with the bike cage at Landmark, call 617-603-5600.

How to Secure Your Bike

ALWAYS LOCK YOUR BIKE. Theft happens, even in the LMA.

It’s helpful to remove all quick-release mechanisms from your bike. Trade out your quick-release wheel skewers for ones that need an Allen wrench. Change the one on your seat to a nut and bolt. Doing so means it will take more time and preparation for a thief to steal these components from your bike.

Bike lock

Use two different locks with separate locking mechanisms – a U-lock and a cable lock, for example. Few thieves carry the tools necessary to cut both. Don’t use a cable that attaches to your U-lock – once the thief gets through the U-lock, the cable offers no resistance.

Use your U-lock to secure your front wheel and frame to a bike rack or closed-loop stand. Then, use your cable lock to secure both wheels and the frame to the stand or rack. Be careful of open-top posts that allow thieves to steal your bike by lifting them over the top. Also, it’s illegal in Boston to lock your bike to a handicap parking sign.

Lastly, a small U-lock is better than a large one, as they’re harder to pry open with a crowbar.