Regulations

  • Bicycles are not to be parked inside buildings if they create a safety hazard.  Indoor areas where bicycles are strictly prohibited include corridors, stairways, exit ways and other areas within administrative, academic, research, service and performing arts buildings
  • Bicycles may be parked, stored, or left on campus only in areas designated by bicycle racks, signage or storage.  All bicycles, regardless of owner, must be maintained in working order while parked on campus. Bicycles parked at bicycle racks at or near academic or research buildings longer than five days will be considered abandoned and will be impounded.
    • Bicycles may be impounded by OSU’s Department of Public Safety if they are left in a place that creates a safety hazard or if they appear to be nonfunctional or abandoned. A notice of impoundment will be sent to the registered bike owner, if known, within 24 hours. Bicycles may be claimed from OSU’s Department of Public Safety by identifying the bicycle and proving ownership. OSU’s Department of Public Safety will not be liable for the cost of repair or replacement of a securing device damaged when removing and impounding a bicycle.
    • Bike lockers are available for rent on an annual or term basis at fees established in OSU’s List of Fees and Charges, pursuant to OAR 576-010-0000
  • Riding bicycles indoors is prohibited.
  • Bicycles shall not be removed from offices during building evacuations as they are likely to create an obstruction.
  • Bicycles must not be operated on sidewalks or other walkways, unless Signage indicates otherwise, and anywhere deemed unlawful by the Corvallis Municipal Code.
  • Bicyclists should always ride defensively and follow all appropriate cycling rules, laws and common sense.  Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as drivers of any other vehicle; the rules of the road apply to bicycles.
  • Bicycles shall yield to pedestrians.

 

Equipment

  • Bicycles must be operated in a safe manner and be equipped in accordance with applicable state laws and city ordinances. Bicyclists shall maintain a safe speed and shall obey all applicable Signage and state, city, and campus laws and regulations regarding bicycle use.
  • Brakes that allow the bicycle to come to a complete stop in a safe distance.
  • ALL faculty, staff and students should where a certified bicycle helmet whenever riding a bicycle on or off campus.
  • A bicycle or its rider must be equipped with lighting equipment that must be used during hours of darkness and during limited visibility conditions. The lighting equipment required includes:
    • A white light attached to the front of the bicycle, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, AND
    • A red reflector or lighting device or material attached to the rear of the bicycle, visible from a distance of at least 600 feet.

 

Citations

Registrants and owners are responsible for violations involving their bicycles on campus.  Bicycles users may be cited for:

  • Improper or unsafe operation of a bicycle including failing to obey a traffic control device, having more persons on a bicycle than it is designed to hold, riding encumbered, and riding faster than the posted speed limit;
  • Use of improper or inadequate equipment including no bicycle headlight, no rear reflector or lighting device (see above), and no bicycle helmet for riders under 16 years of age;
  • Being parked in a way that creates a hazard including blocking the bicycle or traffic lane, blocking access to any stairway, ramp or doorway, and blocking access to any handrail or other device used to aid entry to a building or structure;
  • Being parked in a way that hinders the use of a bicycle parking device by other bicyclists;
  • Being parked in buildings except in designated bike rooms;
  • Biking under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other substances that impair the operators judgment; and
  • Any other violations of these regulations or applicable state law and city ordinances.

***Failing to obey traffic laws while biking may carry at least a Class D traffic violation***

 

Registration and Safety

Bicycle theft on and around the OSU campus is a significant issue.  Bicycles should be registered with 529 Garage. After registering, the bike owner may come to the Department of Public Safety at 200 Cascade Hall to receive a 529 registration sticker.  All bicycles that are operated, parked, or stored on campus by students, staff, or faculty may be registered with 529.

Bicyclists involved in collisions shall call the Department of Public Safety 541-737-7000 for assistance. All involved individuals shall remain at the collision site until released by the attending officer. When a collision results in an injury, a written accident report must be submitted to OSU’s Department of Public Safety by the individuals involved.

 

References and additional resources

Oregon Bicyclist Manual

OSU Transportation - Bike Safety

OSU Transportation - Biking

OSU Transportation - Bike theft prevention

OSU Student Life Bike Safety

 

 

Author: Jim Patton

Revision date: 7/24/2018