Bicycle riders, beware! Riding to class may be faster than walking, healthier than driving, and cheaper than a Lear Jet; however, failure to obey the laws regarding bikes on campus, and in the city at large, can result in a serious depletion of one’s beer, er, book funds.
According to Oregon Statute 814.400, “every person riding a bicycle upon a public way is subject to the provisions applicable to and has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle.”
Or as Blue Heron Bicycles owner Susan Kelley puts it, “You are a car.”
So, despite the off-road access a bike may provide, riders must still obey the rules of the road. On campus, some rules are especially important.
“The most commonly cited is a blocking violation,” Department of Public Safety Associate Director Tom Hicks said.
Parking a bicycle next to fire exits, access ramps or anywhere it can create a safety hazard can cost the bike owner a $20 fine.
Another common citation is for prohibited parking of a bicycle, Hicks said. This includes locking bikes to street lamps, parking meters, or any structure no designated as a parking area. Prohibited parking also carries a $20 fine.
Bike racks are the approved locations for locking bikes, but it may take some time to find an empty spot.
Stunting — freestyle riding while doing tricks — is also a punishable offense and carries with it a $30 fine.
And while dodging pedestrians may be a sport to some, failing to yield to pedestrians can mean a $25 fine.
Keep in mind that riding on the sidewalk is prohibited on campus. Failing to dismount and walk one’s bicycle can yield a $10 fine. To get better acquainted with the designated bike lanes, pick up a map at the DPS, or at the Transportation Resource Center in the EMU.
“We mainly ask for cooperation and courtesy,” Hicks said, emphasizing that most of these rules are for everyone’s benefit and safety.
Any fine levied against a bike owner will have $20 added if the bike is not registered with DPS. This can be done during the Week of Welcome and is free, Hicks said. It may also help in the recovery of stolen bikes, he said.
The Eugene Police Department also enforces city code around campus. The base fine for most violations is $89. This includes failure to signal a stop or turn. A failure to obey stop signs and other traffic control devices can result in a $135 fine.
Steve Glass, manager at Collins Cycle Shop, points out that the intersection between East 13th Avenue and Kincaid Street seems to be a popular spot for police to catch students who are in a rush and “miss” the stop sign. Glass learned the hard way.
“They gave me a $115 ticket for running that stop,” he said.
Dave Goldberg is a freelance writer for the Emerald.