Potential SEPTA Strike As of Thursday, November 14, SEPTA services are operating on normal schedules, as its workers' union negotiates a new contract. We continue to monitor the possibility of a SEPTA strike in the coming days, in which case contingency plans remain in place. Click here to view those contingency plans.  

Bike Commuter Reimbursement Program

The Penn Bike Commuter Expense Reimbursement Program offers bicycle commuting expenses to qualified faculty, staff, and postdoctoral researchers and fellows for any out-of-pocket eligible expenses up to $240 annually.


Program Overview

Unlike a flexible spending account, reimbursement comes directly from the University and is considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service.

Expense categories that the University will reimburse are bike purchases; maintenance, improvements, and bike accessories; parking and commercial storage costs; and safety gear. Purchases such as membership and program fees along with clothing and apparel are not considered allowable expenses.

Funding for this program is provided by the Division of Business Services to support the University’s Climate Action Plan.

 

Bike riders

To Apply Follow the Steps Below


Step 1

Confirm Your Eligibility

Participants must be full-time, benefits-eligible faculty or staff, or Postdoctoral Researchers and Fellows, commute by bicycle to and from Penn greater than 50% of the time in a qualified bike commuting month, and not participate in any of Penn’s other commuter transit or parking programs.

Step 2

Register Your Bike

You must register your bike with Penn's Division of Public Safety

Register here
Step 3

View Instructions

The deadline for submitting claims for Claims for Tax Year 2023 was February 29, 2024. Bike commuters are encouraged to access Concur, the University’s expense management system at any time throughout this tax year to upload their receipts of eligible expenses.

View Instructions
Step 4

Complete Form

All program participants must complete the Eligibility Form, available for download January 1, 2025. Do not use previous versions of the form as they are invalid and will cause a delay in the reimbursement process.

Bike rider

Register Your Bike with Penn Police

By registering your property, your registration sticker will serve as a visual deterrent and increase the chances of recovery should your bike ever be lost or stolen. Registration sticker(s) must be picked up at Division of Public Safety, 4040 Chestnut St.

Faculty and Staff: participants in the Bike Commuter Expense Reimbursement Program MUST register their bikes to receive the benefit.