Transportation
Kent State strives to create transportation options on campus.
Walkable
The Kent campus covers about 950 acres and is easily walkable. The Lefton Esplanade provides a pedestrian and bike path from Risman Plaza to downtown Kent, and also connects to the Portage Hike and Bike Trail. Choosing to walk improves health and allows for greater connection with your surroundings.
The City of Kent has a walk score, a numerical value assessing walkability services, of 88 out of 100, indicating a very walkable city where most errands can be accomplished on foot.
Bikeable
Biking will help you get across campus more quickly than walking, while also providing health and environmental benefits. Bike parking is available across campus, and secure indoor bike storage is available in some residence halls. Bike rack rental is available from the Adventure Center at the Warren Student Recreation & Wellness Center. View more campus resources, biking safety and maps from the Recreation and Wellness Services.
Biking on Campus
Bike Rack Rental
Campus Bike Rack Locations
Bicycle Friendly University Designation from League of American Bicyclists
SPIN KSU
Kent State University partners with SPIN to provide shared eBikes and eScooters that are available on campus and within the City of Kent for use by students, faculty, staff, and the community. Approximately 100 eBikes and 100 eScooters are available. Riding an eBike or an eScooter is a fast, easy way to get from class to class, run errands, and even a short commute. They are a great option for students, employees, and visitors to Kent State University.
Bike Registration
University Housing's Office of Safety and Security offers a bicycle registration process. If you are bringing a bicycle to campus, we highly encourage you to register your bike, which will help us and the Kent State University Police Department identify your bike if it goes missing. To register your bike, stop by the Office of Safety & Security Team in the Tri-Towers Rotunda anytime beginning move-in week, and a Safety Assistant will assist.
Hallways Handbook Bicycle Registration Info
Bike Trails
The Portage Hike and Bike Trail Map
Free Portage County Bike User Map
Dero Fixit Bike Station
This station is located outside between the Student Center and KIVA. The Fixit Bike Station has free bike repair tools and an air pump. It is equipped with a QR code which connects to bike maintenance tips.
Public Transit
It’s easy to get around campus with the free PARTA bus service, which offers access to all countywide fixed routes.
View PARTA's Kent State University Rider's Guide
View real-time fixed route bus locations with Passio Go!
Learn about PARTA's Compressed Natural Gas Fueling Station, Portage County's first CNG station.
PARTA brings nostalgic charm to Portage County with Polly the Trolley and the Downtowner Route!
Ride Sharing
Gohio Commute is a web-based ride sharing program sponsored by AMATS (the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study) and other regional transportation planning offices around the State. Anyone can register to find ride matches for their daily commute, or for single trips within Ohio. Kent State University has a private network open to anyone with a kent.edu e-mail. When you register with your kent.edu e-mail you will automatically be put into the Kent State network. It will not appear on the list of networks because it is private. You can choose matches from the Kent State Network, the AMATS network, or any other network you join. Give it a try to save gas, save money, and reduce the stress of driving!
Gohio Commute Website
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Kent State University has twelve electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on campus. Charging is available for a maximum of four hours and hourly payment is required ($1.00 per hour). Additional details and locations are available from Parking Services.
EV Charging Stations on Campus
FLEET SERVICES RENTALS
Fleet Services maintains rental vehicles for business-related travel by faculty, staff and authorized university organizations.
Electric & Hybrid Fleet
The university fleet includes sixteen 100% electric vehicles, five gas-electric hybrid cars, and one plug-in Chevy Volt with a charging station at Harbourt Hall.
Crooked River Commute
The Crooked River Commute, started in 2013 is the first kayaking trek along the Cuyahoga River from Kent State University's main campus to Kent State's Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative intended to promote the river as a shared regional asset for education, recreation, and sustainability.
Learn more about the Crooked River Commute
Zero Emission Vehicle
The Zero Emission Vehicle, or ZEV, is the first golf cart to be powered by three sources: a fuel cell, a solar panel, and batteries. ZEV’s design includes additional features; the research team plans on impacting the student body in a loud way- with the help of an audio system that will allow them to stream portable music around campus.