Bicycle Registration and Parking Regulations

Regulations

SECTION 13: Bicycle Registration and Parking Regulations

13-1: All bicycles are required to be registered with Parking and Transportation Services. Bicycles will be marked with an identifying number by Parking and Transportation to ensure return if recovered after theft or confiscation due to illegal parking or abandonment. Unregistered bicycles are subject to a $10 unregistered fee.  All bicycles on university property must be operated in accordance with university rules and appropriate Tennessee motor vehicle laws. 

13-2: When you ride a bicycle on a roadway within the MTSU campus, you are a driver. You must follow state laws, give signals, obey stop signs and yield right of way- just as car drivers do. Laws and regulations are designed for the safety of cyclists. All bicyclists must operate under Tennessee Motor Vehicle Laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, displaying proper illumination, and riding with the traffic flow. 

13-3: Authority

1. The Tennessee DOT Bicycle Laws (TCA 55-52-103) governs the operation of bicycles on public roadways or paths set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
2. The MTSU Police Department is responsible for the regulation of moving vehicles and bicycles on University property.
3. Parking and Transportation Services is responsible for the regulation of vehicles and bicycles that are parked on University property.
   

13-4: Bicycle Operating Regulations

1. Persons operating bicycles and other non- motorized devices on campus shall practice courteous, defensive riding, giving right-of-way to pedestrians, traveling at safe speeds, and having their vehicles under control at all times.
2. Every person operating a bicycle should obey regulatory signs and rules for MTSU, and these regulations.
3. Bicycles shall not be operated in parking garages or in any areas where bicycles are restricted by regulations or signs.
4. No person operating a bicycle on University property, including bike paths should exceed a speed that is reasonable and prudent with respect to the number of pedestrians or other cyclists present, visibility, traffic, weather, and surface conditions that exist at the time, or that endangers property or the safety of any person.
   

13-5: Bicycle parking is available throughout campus and is designated by the presence of bicycle racks. Bicycles must be parked within the boundaries of designated bike racks. Parking and/or placement of any non- motorized devices not covered under these regulations must be approved by Parking and Transportation Services. 

13-6: The following are general guidelines regarding bicycle parking on campus:

1. Racks are not to be utilized as long term bicycle storage.
2. Bicycle related gear (or other items) should not be left at the bicycle racks.
3. Bicycles shall be parked in accordance with federal, state, and local fire and safety regulations.
   

13-7: Bicycles shall not be parked or stored:

1. In any public area of any University building (e.g. offices, residence halls, classrooms, or parking structures) or without express permission of the building facilitator;
2. Against or fastened to any tree, plant, bush, or foliage;
3. Against or fastened to any water, steam, or gas pipe, fitting, electrical fixture, fence, sign post, railing, public seating fixture, or emergency safety device;
4. Upon or attached to any ingress/egress ramp, stairway or stairwell railing or otherwise fastened to or blocking any exit/ entrance or handicap access to any University building;
5. In any other area not designated for bicycle parking or where parking is specifically prohibited by these regulations or by signs.
    

13-8: Impounding may be necessary in an effort to have bike parking available to those using their bicycles and to address improperly parked bikes:

1. Bicycles that are inappropriately parked, in a state of disrepair, or appear to be abandoned are subject to impoundment. Bicycles subject to impoundment may be booted and/or tagged before impounding, giving the bicycle owner time to remedy the situation before impoundment.
   • State of disrepair means the bicycle has flat tire(s), bent rims, rusted or broken chain links, broken or rusted brakes, etc., and is otherwise in poor condition.
   • Signs of abandonment include, but are not limited to, appearance of non-use, spider webs, missing parts, etc.
2. It may be necessary to move a bicycle before it is booted or tagged for impoundment due to safety. If moving the bicycle is necessary, it will be moved to a nearby bicycle rack and booted to maintain security of the bike or immediately impounded.
3. In cases that result in the removal of the chain/lock, the owner will absorb the cost of replacement.
4. After the close of the Spring Semester, all abandoned bicycles will be removed from all on- campus racks. Bicycles that appear to be abandoned, will be impounded. In cases that result in the removal of the chain/lock, the owner will absorb the cost of replacement.