Cycling is an excellent way to get to the University and can be useful for traveling within the campus. However, due to the large number of pedestrians, cyclists must take extra care while cycling on campus, and follow additional restrictions that are in place for reasons of safety.

Guidelines and Rules for Safe Bicycling at OSU:

• Bicycles are not to be parked inside buildings because of the safety hazards bicycles can present. The indoor areas where bicycles are prohibited include offices, laboratories, corridors, stairways, exit ways and other areas within administrative, academic, research, service and performing arts buildings.
• Bicycles parked indoors can obstruct exits during evacuations. Also, there is a possibility of injury when carrying bicycles into or out of a building. The Department of Public Safety will confiscate any bicycle parked indoors or fine their owners.
• Riding bicycles, skateboards and roller skates indoors is prohibited. Bicycle riding is prohibited in the Memorial Union Quad.
• Bicyclists should always drive defensively. In an accident with a car or with the road itself, the bicyclist typically loses.
• The hill in front of Valley Library on Jefferson Way should be taken with caution. Slow down on this hill. It is easy to lose control or collide with pedestrians in this area.
• Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as drivers of any other vehicle; the rules of the road apply to bicycles.
• Bicyclists must obey stop and one-way signs.

Bicycle Equipment:

Bicycles must have the following equipment. (Riding a bicycle without this equipment is a Class D traffic infraction and can bring a fine of $50.)

• A white light visible from at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle and a red reflector visible from 600 feet to the rear. Lights and reflectors are required only with it is dark--including darkness due to bad weather.
• A bicycle must have a brake that allows it to skid on dry, clean, level pavement.

Bicycles should be registered with The Department of Public Safety, or at least their serial numbers should be recorded, so that bicycles may be identified if lost or stolen.