Murray State University Department of Public Safety

BICYCLES ON CAMPUS

BICYCLE SAFETY

Bicycles are vehicles and the cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as car or truck drivers.

Riding by the same set of rules as motorists makes you predictable and can reduce your risk of having an accident.    Follow these simple guidelines:

•  Inspect your bicycle routinely.   Check the braking system, tires and steering.

•  Always wear a bicycle helmet.   Serious injury or even death can be prevented.

•  While riding your bicycle wear fluorescent or brightly colored clothing with reflective materials.

•  Bicycles must have front and rear reflectors and lights.

•  Cyclists should ride at the far right of the roadway in the direction of traffic flow.   Use low volume roadways whenever possible.   Obey all traffic control signals and signs.   Watch for cars pulling into traffic from parking spaces, parked car doors opening, roadway hazards (rocks, uneven pavement).

•  When entering the flow of traffic always look and signal.   Make eye contact with the approaching driver, ensure the driver sees you.

•  Crossing intersections can be dangerous if you are not seen.   The best practice is to walk your bicycle across a pedestrian crosswalk.

•  Your bicycle must “fit you.”   Check the size. If you can stand above the horizontal crossbar with     your seat at hip level, the fit a good.

•  Don’t ride with headphones or ear protection.   You must be able to hear what is going on around you.

Your bicycle must have:

•  Front light that emits white light.

•  Rear light that emits red light or a red reflector.

•  A bell or horn.

•  At least one braking system.

BICYCLE THEFT PREVENTION                    

Bicycle theft occurs on any college campus.  Many bicycle thefts can be prevented by taking certain precautions and eliminating opportunities.   Follow these basic guidelines:

•  Use a heavy duty U-Lock.   Leave as little space as possible in the “U” portion of the lock to minimize space for tools to be inserted.

•  Always lock your bicycle to a secure object such as a bike rack.   Lock the bicycle even for only a few minutes.

•  Position the lock with the key opening facing toward the ground.

•  If you use a cable to lock your bicycle, it should be at least ¼”in diameter not including any plastic covering.

•  Register your bicycle through the Public Safety Department.

•  When leaving your bicycle, secure it in a well lighted area.