Riding a Bike to Campus? Consider Others

More and more students are riding bicycles to the Utah State University campus, but all should heed a warning — be careful where you park.

“There are a lot of bikes that are being chained to handrails, and visually impaired students are not able to easily access the library or other buildings,” said Joe Dulin, risk management officer for USU.

 

Because of these problems, the university is considering enforcing an impound policy for all illegally parked bicycles. A policy is already in place that says bicycles may not be secured on shrubs, trees, handrails or any architectural structures. Bicycles in violation are subject to impound.

 

Dulin said the university wants to make campus more accessible to visually impaired students, keeping egress routes open and to minimize trip and fall hazards.

 

USU’s Risk Management office oversees policy enforcement and will actively enforce the policy because of an increased number of student complaints.

 

Most of the reported bicycle-parking issues are at the Merrill-Cazier Library and the Eccles Business Building, Dulin said. Bicycles are being attached to handrails and trees, rather than designated racks.

 

Police routinely place warning tags on illegally secured bicycles on the first violation, Dulin said. This includes bicycles chained to handrails and light posts. However, if the situation does not improve, impounding bicycles without a warning may become necessary, he said.

 

All bicycles impounded will be stored at the USU Police impound lot. To retrieve an impounded bike, call the University Police, (435) 797-1967. Payment of an impound fee may be necessary prior to the bike’s release.