Olympia promotes bicycling for transportation and recreation and is working to become a community where biking is safe and inviting. Below is a list of programs and services.
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Biking Network:
Counting Bicycle Traffic: Find out how bike counters are being used in Olympia to learn about trends in bicycle ridership.
Bicycle Lanes: Bicycle facilities, primarily bike lanes, are constructed on major streets throughout the City. For information about planned bicycle facilities, call
(360) 753-8575.
Bike Racks Downtown: This program provides bike racks on sidewalks for downtown businesses that do not have a parking lot or other place to park a bicycle. Learn more.
Bikes on Buses: All Intercity Transit (IT) buses and vans are equipped with bike racks that hold two bicycles on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit IT's website at http://www.intercitytransit.com or call (360) 786-1881.
Bike Lockers: Bicycle lockers are available for public use at Intercity Transit centers in Lacey and downtown Olympia. Call (360) 786-8585 for more information.
Trails: The Olympia Woodland Trail is currently open between Eastside and Dayton Street, SE. For more information on this trail, call the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department at (360) 753-8380.
For information about the Chehalis Western Trail or the Yelm-Tenino Trail, contact Thurston County at (360) 786-5595 or view the information online at http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks/.
Most trails are shown on the Thurston Interactive County Bike Map. Call
(360) 753-8575 for a free copy of this map.
For information on planned trails within the City, call the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department at (360) 753-8380.
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Resources and Safety Information:
Education, Encouragement and Enforcement: A new Bicycle Education, Encouragement and Enforcement Program is underway. Contact (360) 753-8575 for more information.
Bike Map: The Thurston County Bike Map provides bicycle-route information, as well as other general information, for biking in Thurston County. To request a free copy of this map, just email us your name and address.
Bicycle Commute Guide: The Washington State Guide to Bicycle Commuting reviews equipment and safety information for the new bicycle commuter. To request a free copy of the guide, call (360) 753-8575.
Bicycle Commuter Contest: The Bicycle Commuter Contest is held each May to encourage individuals to bike to work, school, and to run errands. Each year, roughly half of the participants are new to bicycle commuting. For more information on the Bicycle Commuter Contest, call (360) 753-8575.
Bicycle Registration: The Olympia Police Department offers free bicycle registration for citizens living within the City limits. This provides documentation on your bike, in the event it is ever lost or stolen.
To register, bring your bicycle to the Olympia Police Department, 900 Plum Street SE, during business hours. For more information, please call the Police Department at
(360) 753-8300.
Biking Laws: When traveling on the roadway, the same rules that apply to motor vehicles apply to bicycles. For more information on traffic laws and bicycling, call
(360) 753-8575.
Traffic Signal Tips for Bicyclists: Some traffic signals are timed, while other signals are triggered by vehicles, including bicycles. Depending on the time of day, some signals can be both timed and triggered. One way to determine if a signal can be triggered is to look for the pedestrian push button.
A signal can be triggered by a bicycle because the sensor detects metal in the bike frame. In order to trigger the signal with a bicycle, come to a stop in the middle of the lane behind the stop bar.
Bike Helmets: The City of Olympia strongly urges bicyclists of all ages and abilities to wear properly fitted helmets. However, there is no current City ordinance regarding helmets.
Cycling Organizations:
Need More Information? Contact the Public Works office.
- Physical Address: 924 7th Avenue, SE, Suite A
- Mailing Address: PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507
- Download printer-friendly (PDF) directions to our office
- Hours: Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except for City-recognized holidays)
- Phone: (360) 753-8588
- TTY: (360) 753-8270
- Email: Public Works