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Bikes
on Campus
 Traffic
Laws
Safety
and Security
Bicycle
Registration/Online Registration
Bicycle
Safety Classes
*Effective
January 1, 2002 all bicycles on campus must be registered
with Campus Police. PERMITS
CAN BE PURCHASED FOR $5.00 AT FACULTY COURT SOUTH (FCS), ROOM
20.
Traffic
Laws
Alabama
Traffic Title 32, Section 32-5A-260
Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted
all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties
applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter.
- Every
person on a bicycle is generally expected to comply with
the same traffic rules and regulations as apply to the drivers
of motor vehicles.
- Bicyclists
may not ride more than two abreast.
- No
one may carry passengers on the bike unless bike is designated
and equipped to carry more than the rider.
- Riders
must exercise due care at all times and must decrease their
speed below the allowable limits set forth above due presence
of pedestrians, other traffic or weather conditions, when
this decrease is necessary to avoid colliding with any person
or vehicle.
- Riders
must observe all traffic control devices (e.g., red lights,
stop signs, etc.)
- Bikes
may only be driven on "one way" streets in the
same direction as motor vehicles on that street. Riders
must yield right-of-way, slow down, or, in need be, stop
to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Riders
entering the roadway, even from a crosswalk, must yield
right-of-way to any vehicles already on the roadway.
Bicycle
Safety Classes
The
USA Police Bicycle Unit offers bike safety classes, free of
charge, to any USA affiliated organization. If you would like
more information on bicycle safety or would like to schedule
a class with your group, please contact the University Police
Department at (251) 460-6611.
Bike
Safety
- Obey
traffic lights, stop signs, one-way streets, and other basic
traffic laws.
- Be
prepared to yield at all times.
- Be
aware of hazards. Watch out for uneven road surfaces, or
objects in your path (glass, pebbles, etc.).
- When
you ride your bike on a sidewalk, you must yield
to pedestrians.
- Always
ride with traffic.
- Don't
weave between parked cars, you never know when someone will
be pulling out. Also do not ride too close to parked cars
-- you may be struck from someone exiting their vehicle.
- Be
predictable -- ride so that cars can anticipate and see
your movements.
- Always
wear a helmet!
- Use
a pack or rack to carry things.
- Dress
appropriately.
Be
Equipped
Pre-ride Inspection
An
easy way to remember to do a pre-ride inspection is to remember
the phrase "ABC Quick Check."
- Air
-- Feel the tire for proper tire pressure, and visually
check the tread.
- Brakes
-- examine the pads, cables for cracking or rusting and
hand levers.
- Cranks
-- check for bearing play and tightness.
- Quick
-- check the quick release levers or where the axles of
the wheel connect to the forks and back portion of the frame.
- Check
-- lift up the bike about five inches and drop it on the
tires to see if any components rattle or fall off the bike.
Next do a slow speed ride before getting out into the streets.
Theft
Prevention
Bike theft is a nationwide problem -- especially
on college campuses. Most bicycles that are stolen are either
unlocked or have been secured with poor quality locks.
Many thefts can be prevented by following a few simple precautions.
- Buy
a high quality lock. At least ten percent of the cost of
your bike should be spent on security. A high quality U-Lock,
in accordance with following the manufacturer's instructions
is recommended.
- Always
lock your bike to a bike rack -- even if you are only leaving
it for "a minute."
- Park
your bike in well lighted, public areas.
- Register
your bike with the USA Police Department.
- If
your bike is stolen, report it immediately.
- Report
any suspicious activity or people, especially around parking
lots and bicycle racks.
Links
Questions about local trails? Local bicycle maintenance?
From riding clubs to reviews, these local sites will be able
to provide you with all of your biking needs.
Cadence
120.com
Mountainbikereview.com
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