University Business Policies and Procedures Manual

2260
BICYCLES AND OTHER NONMOTORIZED VEHICLES
Effective Date: January 24, 2000
Subject to Change Without Notice

1. General

The University recognizes the value of bicycles, skates, skateboards, and other similar nonmotorized vehicles as nonpolluting forms of transportation and healthful recreation. Although the University encourages the use of nonmotorized vehicles for commuting to campus and for cautious transportation on campus, inappropriate use can cause injuries to persons and damage to property. Individuals using bicycles, skates, skateboards, and other nonmotorized vehicles on campus must at all times yield to pedestrians, use due caution, and exercise concern for the safety of self and others. Motorized and non-motorized devices used by mobility-impaired individuals are excluded from this policy. The President of the University may ban specified types of nonmotorized vehicles from all University property or from particular areas on campus, on either a permanent or temporary basis.

Users of nonmotorized vehicles, including bicycles, skates, skateboards, and other similar devices on University property must comply with all aspects of this policy seven (7) days per week, twenty-four (24) hours per day. Users include, but are not limited to, students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Persons believed to be in violation of this policy must produce identification upon request.

2. Nonmotorized Vehicles

For the purposes of this policy nonmotorized vehicles include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, and similar vehicles regardless of the number of wheels.
• Skates, including in-line skates, rollerblades, and roller skates.
• Skateboards which include wheeled boards of any size or type including scooters.

3. Safety

The users of nonmotorized vehicles are responsible for being in control at all times of their bicycle, skates, skateboard, or other nonmotorized vehicle so as not to endanger the safety of themselves or others. In all situations, pedestrians have the right of way and users of nonmotorized vehicles must yield to pedestrians. The speed of nonmotorized vehicles shall be limited to a prudent rate that will avoid collisions. Users must keep a reasonable distance, generally 15 feet, from buildings to ensure use of nonmotorized vehicles does not disrupt University classes or business, interfere with pedestrian traffic, or damage physical structures. Areas fifteen (15) feet around buildings, areas inside buildings, and handicap ramps are designated as Dismount Areas in which the use of nonmotorized vehicles is prohibited. Dismounting may be necessary to access bicycle racks. Users are encouraged to use safety helmets and other protective equipment and clothing. Bicyclists shall comply with all applicable state laws and regulations concerning the proper riding of bicycles and required equipment including lamps, bell, and brakes.

3. Prohibited Acts

The following acts with nonmotorized vehicles are prohibited on University property at all times:

• Performing acrobatic maneuvers, stunts, trick riding, or similar movements.
• Using excessive speed.
• Jumping on or over steps, benches, rails, walls, fountains, or other permanent or temporary fixtures.
• Skating or riding any nonmotorized vehicle on handicap access ramps.
• Skating or riding any nonmotorized vehicle inside a University building or within fifteen (15) feet of a University building.
• Parking a bicycle any place other than at an authorized bicycle rack.
• Taking bicycles into University buildings except as authorized by the appropriate dean, director, or department head.
• Placing bicycles inside University buildings in a manner that blocks entrance and egress routes or public ways or that constitutes any safety hazard.
• Participating in any activity which reasonably presents a risk of injury to persons or damage to property.

4. Enforcement

The UNM Police Department and the University Safety, Health, and Environmental Affairs Department are responsible for enforcing this policy.

4.1. Sanctions

All student and visitor violations will be referred to the Dean of Students for review and action under the Student Code of Conduct and the Visitor Code of Conduct. All faculty and staff violations will be referred to the cognizant dean, director, or department head. Violators of this policy may also be subject to arrest for violation of state law.

Bicycles improperly parked on University property or inside University buildings as described above are subject to removal under the direction of the Department of Safety, Health, and Environmental Affairs in coordination with the UNM Police and/or the University Physical Plant Department. Impounded bicycles may be retrieved at the UNM Police Department.

5. Bicycle Registration

Users are encouraged to register their bicycles free of charge at the University Police Department. Registration helps in the location and identification of stolen bicycles.

Comments may be sent to UBPPM@UNM.edu
http://www.unm.edu/~ubppm