Tips for riding on campus with
...cars...- Make sure you're respecting vehicles- Follow the rules of the road - Use hand signals - When stopping at signs make eye contact with drivers of other vehicles- If you're turning in front of someone stay on right side of the road
...other cyclists...- When passing another cyclist, pass them on the left and use hand signals instead of turning right in front of them- Always ride in single file when possible - the law says cyclists cannot go more than 2 abreast- Look behind you before making a move - Try not to make any sudden moves - Don't veer left or right; try to stay in the straightest possible line
...and pedestrians.- If you come up on a pedestrian make sure they know you're behind them so they don't make any sudden moves and cause an accident- Keep in contact with cyclists if crossing an intersection- Give cyclists some room- When riding at night use lights and take streets that you know have the fewest potholes and traffic
Maintenance
- Bicycles need a yearly tune-up which includes lubricating, checking brakes and tread wear on tires, getting entire bike cleaned and straightening of the wheels- Cheaper bikes require more maintenance.- How much you ride your bike depends on how long it will last and how much maintenance it will need.- Keep chain oiled.- Store bikes indoors if you can. Rain and snow will damage it if left out for long periods of time.
Helmets
Jason Allardt, manager of Kirk's Bike Shop, said he strongly recommends wearing a helmet, which will usually cost around $40. He also recommends Giro, saying it's a "nice line" and Trek because it has a lifetime warranty. Allardt said what matters is that helmets meet United States Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
"There's been a few accidents at the Scramble Light [between bikes and cars]. Things might not turn out very well if you land on your head not wearing a helmet," Allardt said.Other accessories important to avid cyclists include a lock, lights, reflective gear and mirrors.
Notable Indiana bicycle laws
- Bikers must ride on the regular seat attached to the bicycle and can't carry any other person on the bicycle who is not seated upon a firmly attached and regular seat on the bicycle.- A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which the bicycle is designed and equipped.- A person upon a bicycle, a coaster, roller skates or a toy vehicle may not attach the bicycle, coaster, roller skates or toy vehicle or the person to a street car or vehicle on a road.- Bicyclists on the road may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.- A person who rides a bicycle may not carry a package, a bundle or an article that prevents the person from keeping both hands upon the handlebars.- A person who violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction(Source: Office of Code Revision Indiana Legislative Services Agency)
See and be seen
Make sure motorists are aware of your presence by equipping your bike with reflectors and, if possible, a headlight, taillight and horn. Also, be confident and stake your claim to the road - the law is on your side and requires all motor vehicles to share the pavement. Staying further to the left of the curb is also a valuable strategy, especially when the curb is lined with cars. It makes you more visible, and it allows you a greater reaction time for any suddenly opened doors or distracted motorists entering traffic.
Preventing theft: Official recommends registering your bike
Crime Prevention Coordinator Corporal Mike Baker said bike theft has been an issue on campus.
According to University Police reports on-campus there have been three bike thefts since the school year started August 24.The increasing popularity of bicycling as a sport and a means of transportation has made bicycles an easy target for thieves, and nowhere is bicycle theft a bigger problem than on college campuses, Baker said.
Baker said registering bikes with the police department can help combat this problem.
Any Ball State student, faculty or staff member can register their bicycle for $1 from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the University Police Department. The owner must either bring the bike or present a bill of sale which contains the serial number, brand, model and color. The serial number is generally stamped onto the bicycle frame.
Registered bikes are less likely to be stolen, and if stolen and recovered, more likely to be returned to their owners, Baker said. The bicycle registration information is kept on file at the Ball State University Police Department and entered into a national database, so if the owner graduates or moves, the police will be able to track the bicycle.
Contact Baker at 285-3009 or bsu.edu/police for more information.
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