Campus bicycle rules, use and safety

MSU has seen a tremendous increase in bike use on campus and the university is working to make the campus as friendly to bicycles as possible. Not only are bicycles a healthy alternative to a car, but they also help alleviate traffic and parking on campus.         
        
Below are various rules for bicycle use on campus:       
        
1. Cyclists should use extreme caution and slow down or walk their bicycles when interacting with pedestrians. Cyclists should not use sidewalks and walkways when pedestrians are present.         
        
2. Pedestrian crosswalks are not for bicycles and bicycles using a marked bicycle path should use rules of the road while approaching an intersection with a roadway and come to a complete stop prior to proceeding through the intersection along the marked bicycle path. Automobiles are not required by law nor equipped with the reaction time to stop for bikes shooting across crosswalks. It is best for bicyclists wishing to use crosswalks to walk their bicycle through the crosswalk as a pedestrian.        
        
3. Bicycles using campus roadways operate with the same rules as automobiles.        
        
4. Bicyclists are strongly encouraged to wear safety equipment while on campus (including helmets) as well as properly maintain the mechanical aspects of their bike for the safest riding experience possible. The City of Starkville would also like to remind you of your responsibility when riding a bicycle between campus and the city. Starkville has a helmet ordinance which requires ALL persons on a bicycle to wear a helmet. Cyclist can be cited and fined for not wearing a helmet when riding in the city limits of Starkville. For more info please visit: http://starkvilleinmotion.org/safety-tips/         
        
5. Bike Rack use on campus is mandatory. MSU asks all bike riders to assist the university by not locking bikes in such a way that they block sidewalks or handicap access to buildings. Furthermore, bike riders are asked to refrain from locking bikes to campus trees or foliage, light poles or other freestanding posts or any railings or any other freestanding structures (except bike racks). Keep in mind the university has a large population of students with disabilities who require accessible pathways and specific access to buildings and MSU is required by law to protect this access.        
        
6. Bikes locked or left anywhere else besides a bike rack are subject to the lock being cut and the bike impounded by University Police. The owner is also subject to a fine as outlined in OP 95.501: Policies for Traffic and Parking Rules and Regulations for the Campus and Streets of Mississippi State University.      
        
7. Vehicles by state law are to give bikes a minimum of 3ft distance.     
        
8. Parking Services offers free bike registration for your personal bicycle.  

Please drop by the Roberts Building on Lee Blvd, next to Burger King Monday-Friday 7:30-4:30. Registering your bicycle helps to contact the owner should it become lost, stolen, or is confiscated. Please contact Parking Services at 662-325-3526 if you have any questions.        
        
Thank you for helping keep the MSU campus safe and accessible to all students.

Friday, August 18, 2017 - 9:16 am