Using a bicycle is a cost-effective method of transportation. There are some things you should know before you use one on campus. Please take time to check out the regulations and registration information available on this Web site.

Bicycle Registration

To help prevent theft and to help recover your bicycle if it is stolen, we encourage you to register your bicycle with the University Police. Registration is free.

Registration is easy to do; here’s how:

• Complete a bicycle registration card at the MSU Police Department.
• Make sure you include the serial number so that your bike can be traced.
• Affix the registraiton decal to the frame of your bicycle.

It’s that easy to protect your bike.

Bicycle Regulations

PREVENTION

The purpose of the Montana State University bicycle program is to promote an environment in which bicycles, pedestrians, and motor vehicles can safely co-exist. Bicycles are an efficient, enjoyable, and environmentally sound way to travel around campus, and we encourage the safe and courteous use of bicycles. The following is provided to inform bicycle riders of important information regarding bicycle use at Montana State University-Bozeman.

1. The University Bicycle Program
   The program is a section of the Vehicle Regulations of MSU.
2. Purpose
   To set forth the regulations that govern the use of bicycles, and to promote the safe operation of bicycles on campus.
3. Scope
   University bicycle regulations are issued supplemental to all applicable state laws and city ordinances. Users of the Montana State University campus are advised that City of Bozeman ordinances regulating bicycles will be enforced in addition to these regulations. These regulations are in effect at all times, including vacations, weekends, and other times when school is not in session, and apply to all persons operating a bicycle on the university campus. It shall be the duty of the Montana State University Police Department, unless otherwise provided herein, to enforce these regulations.
   

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1. Bicycle
   Bicycle means a device upon which any person may ride, propelled by human power through a belt, chain, or gears, and having one or more wheels.
2. Pedestrian Walkway
   A pedestrian walkway is a route utilized for pedestrian travel. Any surface not deemed bicycle way or roadway shall be considered a “walkway.”
3. Impoundment
   Impoundment means towing, storage, and/or locking with university lock.
4. Dual-Use Area
   Dual-use areas are pathways upon which both bicycles and pedestrians are permitted. Pedestrians always have right-of-way in dual use area.
5. Bicycle Path
   Bicycle paths are pathways designated for bicycles and upon which bicycles have right-of-way.
6. Registration Decal
   Montana State University issued registration decal is a uniquely numbered adhesive sticker supplied as evidence of a bicycle registration and designed for attachment to the registered bicycle as indication of its registration.
7. Regulatory Sign
   A regulatory sign means all traffic control devices, signs, signals, and markings, placed or erected for the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding traffic and parking.

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1. Montana State University assumes no responsibility for the care and protection of any bicycle, attached accessories, or contents at any time. However, bicycle theft prevention information is available through the Montana State University Police Department.
2. Bicycles parked on campus must be parked in a bicycle rack.
3. Parking a bicycle in any manner which creates a hazard or impedes access will be subject to immediate impoundment.

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1. Decal Fees
   Bicycle registration is a free service provided by the MSU Police Department.
2. Registration Procedure
   1. Montana State University bicycle registration decals are available through the MSU Police Department.
   2. The bicycle registration card must be completed and the serial number must be provided to the MSU Police Department.
3. Display of Decals
   Registration decals should be attached to the frame of the bicycle.

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1. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in dual-use areas.
2. A bicycle shall stay to the right when on a designated dual-use area.
3. On any dual-use area a bicyclist, when ready to pass or change direction of travel in any way, must do so safely.
4. Every person operating a bicycle is required by Section 61-807 of Montanan Codes Annotated to obey the same traffic regulations as the driver of an automobile.
5. A light must be used when traveling at night. Per Montana Statute, bicycles must be equipped with a “ ...lamp in front which is visible for a distance of 500 feet... ” and a reflector on the rear “... which shall be visible from 500 feet to the rear ...”
6. No person shall park, store, or leave a bicycle in such a manner as to cause said bicycle to block or otherwise impede normal entrance to or exit from any building on campus, or in a manner that constitutes a safety hazard.

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The following are violations of Montana State University’s Bicycle Regulations:

1. Operating a bicycle in excess of posted speed limits.
2. Operating a bicycle on pedestrian walkways.
3. Operating a bicycle in a careless manner on bicycle paths, dual-use areas, and/or roadways, without due regard to safety with respect to visibility, local traffic, weather, and surface conditions, or in a manner that endangers the safety of any person or property.
4. Failure to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian on a dual-use area or roadway.
5. Failure to obey parking and traffic control devices, signs, and/or equipment.
6. Failing to heed lawful directions of a Montana State University Police Officer.

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The following are violations of Montana State University’s Bicycle Regulations:

1. Parking outside any bicycle rack.
2. Parking on or locked to trees, or other living objects, railings, fences, posts, signs, fire hydrants, trash receptacles.
3. Parking in or on any service drive, building entrance, driveway, bicycle way, ramp, or any other passageway to which emergency equipment, wheelchairs, pedestrians, or service equipment may need access.
4. Parking inside a building.
5. Parking in a posted, reserved, or restricted area.

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Any MSU Police Officer or other person authorized specifically by the Chief of Police may move, relocate, or impound any bicycle by removal of the bicycle’s securing devices as necessary. The following are reasons a bicycle may be impounded:

1. Blocking or otherwise impeding traffic in any street, highway, roadway, path or sidewalk, stairway, or handicapped access rail, or creates any safety hazard. Bicycles not in a rack are subject to impoundment.
2. Blocking or impeding normal entrance to or exit from any building on the University.
3. Abandoned or apparently abandoned.
4. Has been reported stolen to a law enforcement agency.
5. Impedes performance, maintenance, or construction to University property.
6. The University or University Police officials authorized to remove and impound a bicycle shall not be liable to the owner of the bicycle for damage or the cost of repair or replacement of any securing device.
7. Any bicycle impounded pursuant to any section of this chapter shall be stored in a secure facility designed for such purpose by the Chief of Police.

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BICYCLISTS — PLEASE RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THOSE WHO CAN’T GET AROUND AS EASILY AS YOU CAN!!!

Many students on campus have disabilities which limit their hearing, vision, or mobility. They may not be able to see or hear your approach, or be able to quickly move out of the way of a speeding bicycle. THEIR SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOUR COURTESY! When passing pedestrians, please bear this in mind.

Handicapped access rails have been provided near the entrances to many buildings to help people with disabilities to get into those buildings. The visually impaired use them as a guide to the door, and people with impaired mobility use them for support and balance. Bicycles chained to access rails effectively block certain people from being able to get into the building, and disabled students have been injured over carelessly placed bicycles. Even under the best of circumstances, it can be a challenge for some students to get around campus — please don’t add to their difficulty. Never chain a bicycle to a handicapped access rail.

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Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 9/17/10