Bike Commuter Benefit
Bike Benefit Update July 2026
This benefit originally ran through a Jawnt Pass card with direct payment. It's now moved to a reimbursement model for the remainder of 2026 - pay out of pocket, then submit for reimbursement through Jawnt. Reimbursement submission is expected to be available in Jawnt by August, and receipts will be reviewed in January 2027.
How It Works
Harvard's bicycle commuter benefit will operate on a reimbursement basis for the remainder of 2026. Pay for eligible bike commuting expenses with a personal card (or cash), then submit a reimbursement request through Jawnt - up to $360 per calendar year.
If you already used a Jawnt Pass debit card for bike-related purchases and/or reimbursements prior to this change: that's now turned off, so your card will no longer be loaded with the $30/month and won't work for new purchases, but any balance already on it will be available as a reimbursement. Paying for bike expenses directly through your Jawnt Pass card will be available again in 2027 — for now, save your receipts to submit through the reimbursement process described above.
Benefit Overview
Harvard’s Bicycle Commuter Benefit provides eligible employees with $30 per month to support the costs of commuting to campus by bicycle. The program is administered through the Jawnt platform, where participants submit receipts for reimbursement.
A qualified bicycle commuting month is one in which a benefits-eligible employee or postdoc bikes for a substantial portion of their commute and does not receive a Harvard-provided transit benefit or parking permit.
Who’s Eligible?
The Bicycle Commuter Benefit is available to:
- Full-time, benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and postdocs paid directly by Harvard
- Members of the Harvard Graduate Student Union (HGSU) bargaining unit who are paid directly by Harvard
To be eligible, participants must commute by bicycle for a substantial portion of their commute and must not receive a transit benefit or annual parking permit from Harvard during the same period.
If you have questions about eligibility, please contact commuterchoice@harvard.edu.
What’s Reimbursable?
Participants may use their monthly funds (or request reimbursement) for eligible expenses related to bicycle commuting.
1. Bicycle Purchase
- New or used bicycles, including electric bikes
- Purchases may be made from retailers or private sellers
2. Maintenance, Improvements, and Accessories
- Parts and services used to maintain or improve a bicycle
- Accessories such as racks, locks, panniers, and trailers
- Repair services and roadside assistance subscriptions (e.g., NEMO)
- Bike-specific apparel such as reflective gear, gloves, shoes, and cycling shorts
3. Parking and Storage
- Fees for bicycle parking or storage, ranging from daily to annual arrangements
4. Safety Gear
- Helmets, lights, bells, and reflectors
5. Bluebikes Membership
- Daily, monthly, and annual Bluebikes memberships
Bluebikes e-bike usage is also eligible
What Is Not Eligible?
The following expenses are not eligible for reimbursement:
- Scooters or non-bicycle devices
- Bike share outside of the metro-Boston market
- Indoor or exercise bikes
- General use items such as coats or backpacks
- Storage equipment such as ground or car racks
- Expenses incurred by a spouse, dependent, or another individual
If you are unsure whether an item qualifies, please contact commuterchoice@harvard.edu.
Using the Benefit
Participants must submit for reimbursement by January 31, 2027. Receipts will be reviewed after the deadline and reimbursement distributed in Spring 2027.
Documentation Requirements
For reimbursement requests, participants must provide documentation that clearly shows:
- Name of the service provider or seller
- Description of the item or service
- Amount paid and form of payment
- Date(s) of purchase or service
Receipts must be issued in the participant’s name. The University reserves the right to review and approve or deny reimbursement requests.
