University sees increase in bike use
With a tremendous increase in bike use on campus, Mississippi State is working to make the campus as friendly to bicycles as possible. Not only are bicycles a healthy alternative to cars, 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, such as when using sidewalks to access bike racks.
2. Pedestrian crosswalks are not for bicycles. Automobiles are not required by law nor equipped with the reaction time to stop for bikes shooting across crosswalks. Bicyclists wishing to use crosswalks should walk their bikes 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 also would like to remind bicyclists of the responsibility of riding between campus and the city. Starkville has a helmet ordinance which requires ALL persons on a bicycle to wear a helmet. Cyclists 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
5. Bike rack use on campus is mandatory. All bike riders are asked 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 railings, or any other freestanding structures (except bike racks). Please keep in mind there is a large population of students with disabilities who require accessible pathways and specific access to buildings, and the university is required by law to protect this access.
6. Bikes locked or left anywhere besides a bike rack are subject to the lock being cut and the bike being impounded by University Police. The owner also is subject to a fine as outlined in OP 91.307: Policies for Traffic and Parking Rules and Regulations for the Campus and Streets of Mississippi State University.
Questions or comments about the university bicycle policy can be directed to the Dean of Students Office, Room 112, Lee Hall.
