Sustainable Transportation
A page within Sustainability
Getting around the City of La Crosse is best done by walking, biking or busing. Because the City was built between the Mississippi River and the bluffs, the city is naturally compact. Which makes walking, biking and busing all the more convenient. Switching car trips for trips made by walking, biking and busing can save you money, improve mental and physical health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Getting Around La Crosse
U-Pass
With your UWL Eagle ID you get free rides on the local bus network, the MTU. Show the Driver your physical UWL Eagle ID and you are on your way.
Did you know that students have 2.7 million rides on the MTU since 2000!
Riding the bus is easy with the MTU app because you can track the buses in real time. Meaning you are never siting at a station wondering when the bus comes, you have that right on your phone. Use the QR Code below to download the MTU App:
Some notable routes for students:
- The number #4 bus route goes right through campus, with bus stop locations near Graff Main Hall, Prairie Springs Science Center, Coate Hall, and the Health Science Center. This is one of the easiest ways to get downtown, and can get you to Festival Foods on Losey Boulevard.
- The number #5 bus route, picks up at the Health Science Center and along West Ave just on the western edge of campus. It'll take you out to Valley View, with stops at Target, T.J. Maxx, Office Depot, Dick's Sporting Goods, and a whole host of other "big box" stores. Additionally, it stops at the Onalaska Gundersen Health System Clinic
If you have any questions or concerns about riding the bus, please don't hesitate to reach out to Andrew Ericson (aericson@uwlax.edu).
Walking and Biking
Because the city of La Crosse is located between the bluffs and the Mississippi River it has developed densely. The city proper is also incredibly flat, both factors that make La Crosse a walkable and bikeable place. You'll find that many of your needs are only a couple of steps away.
- Walking from UWL to downtown La Crosse takes between 15-20 minutes, and its perfectly flat.
Personal Bikes
Planning to bring a bike to campus to get around? Great choice!
You will find that having a bike is incredibly convenient option. That said, here are a couple of suggestions for those of you bringing your own bike:
- Bring a "clunker", in other words, a used bike.
- Your bike will be exposed to the elements (rain, snow, sun, etc.), which can age bikes. So it's best to bring one that has already rolled around a bit.
- Plus, if you want to get a nicer bike, say a mountain bike, you can rent one through Outdoor Connections. More on that in a bit.
- Don't have access to a used bike? Check out our Green Bike program.
- Invest in a good lock! Such as a U-Lock.
- Cable locks are not effective. They do not provide a sufficient level of security. Their use is not recommend by UWL Campus Police.
- Register your bike through the City of La Crosse for added security and peace of mind.
Bike Rental
The UWL Community has access to two options for convenient bike rental.
Drift Cycle
Drift Cycle is the community wide bike share program in La Crosse. There are currently fifteen stations across the city, two of which are located on campus. The first is located between the Student Union and Prairie Springs Science Center, and the second is located just south of Whitney Dining Center.
To use download the "Drift Cycle" app using the QR Codes below:
Remember to use your @uwlax email while signing up, so you get a reduced rate!
Outdoor Connection
On campus, REC Sports Outdoor Connection offers short-term bike rentals including cruisers, mountain bikes, and an all-new fleet of custom-painted fat tire bikes. They also offer the low-cost Green Bike program, where you can lease a refurbished bicycle for a semester or a year. Public bicycle repair stands and air pumps, installed near the dorms allow you to make minor repairs and adjustments.