UF Campus Aerial Photo

Abandoned Bikes

UF Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) and UF Surplus collaborate to remove bikes abandoned on campus racks and ensure those cycling to campus always have a place to park securely.

Abandoned bicycle removals are scheduled for different areas of campus on a monthly basis, with each area of campus being swept for bikes at least once per year.

If you need to report an abandoned bicycle to be tagged and removed, please use the form link below:

Abandoned Bicycle Identification, Removal and Disposal Process

  • Abandoned bicycles are identified by trained staff using pre-established criteria:
    • Flat tires
    • Visible rust
    • Signs of prolonged exposure
      • Sun bleaching
      • Cracked plastic/vinyl
      • Deteriorated grips or saddles
    • Vegetation or moss growth
    • Broken, bent or damaged frame or parts
    • Missing parts
  • Bikes are tagged as abandoned approximately two weeks before removal
    • If you find a tag on your bike, simply remove the tag to show your bike is not abandoned
  • Bikes with tags still intact two weeks after they are tagged are removed from racks by TAPS staff

What To Do If You Believe Your Bike Has Been Collected As Abandoned

  • If your bike has gone missing, please contact us at info@bikes.ufl.edu and provide as much of the following information as possible to see if your bike has been collected:
    • Make
    • Model
    • Color
    • Serial Number
    • Specific Identifiable Features
    • Bike Condition
    • Photograph
  • Owners of bikes registered with UPD which are collected in abandoned bike sweeps will be contacted via email and notified to claim their property
    • Any bikes not claimed after 45 days will be sold at public auction
    • The 45-day window starts after notifications are sent

How To Purchase Abandoned Bikes

After a 45-day holding period, all bicycles will be sold at public auction by UF Surplus