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BICYCLE
INFORMATION
We
here at the MTSU Police Department encourage students, faculty,
staff and visitors to ride their bicycles on our beautiful
campus when ever they should decide to do so. We ask only that
those persons riding their bikes adhere to Tennessee State Law
and MTSU policy when conducting such activity.
In an effort to maintain a safe and beautiful campus we
ask that you please read the below described set of laws and
rules.
We
ask your cooperation in not riding through the flowered and
cultivated landscaping areas around campus. Riding your bike on
the grass is permitted. We discourage riding your bike on the
sidewalks; however we ask that should you do so that you please
yield the right of way to all pedestrians and avoid driving
through large crowds.
We
also remind you that per Tennessee State Law T.C.A. 55-8-172
when riding in the roadway you are expected to adhere to all
traffic laws (i.e. Stop at all stop signs, signal your intent to
turn by use of hand signals, yielding right of way etc.) All
individuals are also reminded that per T.C.A. 55-8-173 (c) there
is no rollerblading/skating in the roadway. Failure to comply
with the above mentioned laws may result in citations being
issued.
Bicycle Registration
We
recommend all students, faculty, or staff who intend to ride and
secure their bicycles on the campus of MTSU to utilize the free
bicycle registration offered by us at the MTSU Police
Department. It
is an easy form to fill out that requires some personal
information along with the serial number and description of the
bicycle you are registering.
We are open 24hrs a day 7 days a week; we can register
your bike at any time that is most convenient for you.
Bicycle Parking
We
encourage all persons utilizing and securing a bike on the
campus of MTSU to please adhere to
ADA
regulations. Placing
or attaching a bicycle or any other devise which alters a
buildings design for ingress/egress is a direct violation.
Failure to abide by the regulations will result in
removal of the device and confiscation of the bicycle.
Ingress-the
power or liberty of entrance or access
Egress-a
place or means of going out
We
are asking all persons who wish to bike on campus to please not
secure the bike to any of the various handicap ramps in anyway.
Locking your bike up to a handicap ramp hampers disabled
individuals from using the ramp to access and exit a building.
Please utilize only a University provided bike rack to secure
your bike. These
racks are intentionally placed in maximum visibility areas.
Never park your bike on a hand railing. Should you
require an additional bike rack or one at a building that does
not have a bike rack, please contact the Campus Planning Office
to make a request.
Theft Prevention
Thieves
are well-equipped and well-organized so you should carry a
secure bike lock whenever you plan to leave your bike unattended
for any period of time. It
only takes a thief a few seconds to ride off with your bike if
you leave it unlocked. Many
victims (on our campus) of bike theft were those who advised us
- I WAS ONLY GOING TO BE IN THERE FOR A MINUTE.
The
best method to secure your bike is by running a 3/8-inch
hardened steal alloy or ½ inch in diameter continuous link
chain through the frame and wheels and then attaching it to the
furnished bike racks located at various buildings around campus.
The best type of lock to get with this type of chain is a
3/8-inch hardened steel shackle with double locking heel and toe
mechanism, a five-pin tumbler and a key retaining feature.
The
best type of lock overall is a U type lock made especially
for bicycles. Although
you may not be able to secure both tires to the rack with this
lock, it is the hardest type of lock to cut. You will be able to
secure the bike to the rack with the frame and at least 1 tire.
If you intend to keep your bike on campus overnight or
during vacation break, please note it is best to secure the
frame and both tires to the bike rack if possible to prevent the
stealing of bike parts. More than 2/3 of the bike thefts on
campus last year occurred near a dormitory.
PROTECT YOUR BIKE
*
Install a quality U lock
*
Lock through frame and both wheels to a bike rack
*
Register your bike with MTSU Police Department
*
Keep the sales receipt and serial number in a safe place
*
Park in a well-traveled, well-lit area; report all suspicious
activity
*
Do report all thefts or attempts immediately.
*
Etch a prominent ID in several different locations; record it
*
Remove front wheel when leaving bike if chain or lock is too
short
*
Put name and address in handlebars, then put grips back on
*
Paint portions in odd colors (inside bars, under bottom
bracket).
*
A color photograph showing ID locations can be useful
*
Report suspicious persons cruising or surveying bike areas; get
license number.
*
Engrave serial number on all accessories including wheel rims,
handlebars, etc.
Bicycle Safety Tips
Bicycles
are subject to the same rules and regulations as motor vehicles
for roadways when being ridden as per T.C.A. 55-8-172.
For a copy of bicycle rules and regulations please
contact the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Protect your Head
-Wear
a helmet. Any bicycle rider under the age of 16 is required by
law to wear a helmet.
-Studies
have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries by up
to 85%.
-Select
a helmet that has a snug but comfortable fit.
Look for helmet labels that show they are recommended by
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Ride with flow of
traffic
-You
must obey the rules of the road.
These include all traffic signals, signs, and road
markings. Ride on
the right side of the street in single file. Use the proper hand
signals. Never weave from lane to lane or tailgate or hitch
rides on moving cars or trucks.
Beware of the
Darkness
-If
you are going to ride at night, please be aware of the state law
pertaining to operating a bicycle at night TCA 55-8-177.
You are required to have a front light that emits a white
light visible from a distance of five hundred feet (500)
attached to the front of the bicycle and a red reflector on the
rear of a type approved by the department of safety which shall
be visible from a distance of fifty feet (50) to three
hundred feet (300) to the rear when directly in front of
lawful upper beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.
A red lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance
of five hundred feet (500) to the rear may be used in
addition to the red reflector. Wear reflective clothing or
reflective materials, especially on your ankles, wrists, back
and helmet. Whenever
possible ride in areas that are familiar and on streets that are
well lit.
Look both ways
-Be
aware of traffic around you.
7 out of 10 car-bicycle crashes occur at driveways or
other intersections. Before
you enter a street or intersection, check for traffic and always
look left-right-left. Walk
your bicycle across busy streets at corners or crosswalks.
Stay Alert
-Keep
alert for obstacles in your path. Watch
out for pot holes, storm drain gratings, cracks, loose gravel
and broken glass. Before
going around an object, look ahead and behind you for a free gap
in traffic. Plan
your move; then signal your intentions.
Be especially careful in wet weather, as water can make
tires slip and can cause brakes to work improperly.
Equipment
-Handle
bars should be set so the riders hands are no higher than the
shoulders when the cyclist holds the regular steering grip area.
The bicycle height should be such that the cyclist can
stand astride the bicycle upright with one foot on the ground.
The brakes must be able to make one wheel skid on clean,
level, dry pavement. Wheels
should be securely fastened.
Check wheels before every ride, after every fall, or
after transporting your bicycle to be sure that they are
fastened and secured. Make
sure the tires are properly inflated.
Bicycle Use
1.
Ride with the flow of traffic.
2.
Ride on the right hand side of the roadway
3.
Use hand signals and turn signals accordingly.
4.
Obey all traffic laws.
5.
After dark, use proper equipment to keep you illuminated.
6.
Do not ride on sidewalks with large pedestrian presence.
7.
Do not ride in University buildings.
8. Do
not park to block ingress or egress from any building.
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