Purpose

The following rules and regulations for bicycles, mopeds, scooters, skateboards, Segways, hoverboards, roller blades, and roller skates apply to all persons operating any such mode of transportation on University Property.

Definitions

  • Bicycle - A two-wheeled pedalcycle.

  • Moped - A motorized pedalcycle with operable pedals, a motor rated at 1.5 horsepower or less with a  cylinder displacement of less than 50cc’s.

  • Scooter - A narrow platform mounted on tandem  wheels with a handle to steer by turning the front wheel.

  • Skateboard - A board mounted on roller skate-type wheels.

  • Segway - A  two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle

  • Roller Skate - A shoe, or attachment for shoe, with a set  of wheels attached for skating.

  • Roller Blade - A type of roller skate with in-line wheels.

  • Hoverboard - A self-balancing scooter; sometimes resembling a skateboard.

Operation

All bicycles must be operated according to the provisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Vehicle Code as it pertains to bicycles, as well as to the rules and regulations contained in this policy. A moped and Segway shall be operated in accordance with the same driving and parking rules and regulations as an automobile. A moped and Segway, however, may be registered and parked as a bicycle.

*** Roller skates, roller blades, scooters, and similar coasting devices are not vehicles and are  prohibited on roadways.

Additionally, the use of skateboards and skateboard-like devices on campus property is prohibited

Registration of Bicycles

Bicycles must be registered and display a current permit. Permits must be picked up at the Safety and Police Services Office in the Susquehanna Building within 10 days of registration.

Registration is free.

Registrations and/or permits are not transferable. In the event of the sale of a bicycle, or transfer of ownership, the new owner must register the vehicle in his or her name.

Register your bicycle >>>

Requirements for Registration

Each bicycle, in order to be registered and issued a permit, must be in a safe mechanical operating condition and be equipped as follows:

  • A red reflector on the rear, visible up to a distance of 500 feet.
  • A headlamp is required if the bicycle is operated at night. The Headlamp must be visible for a distance of 500 feet.
  • An amber reflector on each side of the bicycle.

Placement of Permit

The permit must be affixed to the middle of the seat tube or be visible on the seat post (if it is a racing bicycle), and the permit must face the front of the bicycle. The post or seat tube must be clean and dry for the permit to adhere properly.

Rules and Regulations

Bicycles shall be ridden on approved bicycle routes and campus roads only. Riders must walk their bicycles at all other places.

Bicycles may be ridden on pedestrian paths given that the rider exercises due caution and yields to pedestrians. The operator of bicycles must ride with regard for the safety of pedestrians and property and shall yield to pedestrians.

Bicycles shall be parked on campus at places clearly designated by the presence of bicycle racks. Specifically, the bicycle must not be parked in automobile parking spaces; on lawn areas; shrubs or flower beds; streets; driveways or in any building. This also includes sidewalks, trees, all hand railing, light poles, entrance ways to buildings, or places that hinder pedestrian travel. In the event a bicycle rack is full, the bicycle may be parked upright in the general vicinity, provided it does not impede pedestrian traffic. ***NEVER ATTACH YOUR BICYCLE TO A HANDRAIL!

Any abandoned or non-registered bicycle parked on campus, or any bicycle parked hindering University operations, obstructing steps or a handicap ramp, may be removed and impounded by campus Safety and Police Services. If it is necessary to cut a locking device to remove the bicycle, no reimbursement for the locking device will be made. If unclaimed within 90 days after impoundment, it shall be deemed a gift to the University, to be disposed of through appropriate University channels.

Any bicycle parked at any location of Penn State shall be parked at the risk of the owner, and should be locked at all times when unattended.

Penalties

Violations of these rules and regulations by students or employees shall subject the violator to disciplinary action by the University.

Any other persons violating these rules and regulations may be cited for Criminal Trespass for continued or repeated violations on the campus.

Safe Riding Tips

  • Obey all traffic control devices and routing signs
  • Stop at all red lights and stop signs
  • Yield to pedestrians
  • Maintain a safe stopping distance behind moving cars
  • Do not pass vehicles on the right
  • Walk your bike across streets and intersections
  • Be courteous to pedestrians, motorists, and other bicyclists
  • Avoid traveling too fast down hills or on rough or slippery roads
  • Ride with traffic, not against it
  • Use hand signals to communicate with motorists
  • Wear a helmet

Security Tips

  • Lock you bicycle every time it is left unattended—even if you will only be gone for a minute
  • Secure your bicycle to a rack with a high-quality U-lock and a case-hardened chain. A cable lock alone is not strong enough
  • To lock your bicycle properly, place the chain through the bicycle frame and through one or both wheels, then wrap the chain around a bike rack
  • Park your bicycle in a well-lit area