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PRM-019: Riding, Parking, and Storing Bicycles at the University

Date: 10/03/2018 Status: Final
Last Revised:
Policy Type: University
Oversight Executive: Senior Vice President for Operations and State Government Relations
Applies To:

Academic Division and the Medical Center.

Reason for Policy:

The University of Virginia, in support of its measures to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere for the community of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the Grounds, is committed to establishing an environment that encourages the proper use, parking, and storing of bicycles on the Grounds.

Definition of Terms in Statement:
  • Bicycle (Bike):Typically, a vehicle with two wheels held in a frame one behind the other, a saddle seat, is steered with handlebars, and is propelled by pedals.
  • University Facility:Any defined space of the University, including a room, lab, series of labs, building, or controlled outdoor area.
Policy Statement:

Encouraging the use of bicycles (bikes) by members of the University community underscores the value of biking as an environmentally sound mode of transportation as well as the need to educate persons about the rights of those on bicycles. At the same time, the University must maintain a safe environment for pedestrians approaching, entering, and utilizing buildings on the Grounds and in any Medical Center facilities.

Given that bicycles are a form of transportation, the Department of Parking and Transportation is responsible for the issuance and administration of University bicycle regulations governing appropriate use and storage of bicycles.

Bicyclists must:

  1. Ride in accordance with Virginia State laws;
  2. Obey all traffic signs, signals, lights, and markings; and
  3. Where permitted, while on sidewalks and shared-use paths, yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian.

Bicyclists must also abide by the following:

  1. Parking Bicycles:
    Bicycle racks must be used for parking (bringing to a halt and leaving it temporarily). However, faculty and staff while at work, or students while attending class, may park a bicycle inside a University facility provided (1) the specific facility does not prohibit bicycles inside; and (2) the bicycle is not parked in an entrance-way or an exit or exit passageway and interfering with a means of ingress or egress. Bicycles not properly parked will be impounded by the Department of Parking and Transportation.

    Bicycle racks are for bicycles only, not motorized vehicles. Bikes parked in bike racks are expected to be maintained in good condition by the owner. If a bike is dilapidated or there is evidence of abandonment, the bike will be impounded and applicable impound fees will apply.

    At the Medical Center, bicycles must be parked in designated spots outside of buildings. Bicycles are not permitted in any Medical Center facilities or in any School of Medicine facilities connected to the Medical Center.

    1. Bike Racks on Buses:
      All University Transit Service (UTS) transit buses are outfitted with bike racks to help riders easily transition from bike to bus. Each rack is capable of holding three bicycles at a time. Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) transit buses are also equipped with bike racks. [Note: Bicycles are not permitted inside any UTS or CAT bus.] Additional information is available on the Parking and Transportation website.

  2. Storing Bicycles:
    Bicycles may not be stored in suites, apartments, hallways, stairwells or study lounges of University residential housing. Bicycles may be stored in student bedrooms as long as the means of egress is maintained. Bicycles that are not properly stored will be impounded by the Department of Parking and Transportation.

  3. Impounded Bicycles:
    Impounded bicycles may be picked up at the Parking and Transportation Office during regular operating hours within 120 days of impoundment. A fee per impounded bicycle will be assessed. The Parking and Transportation Office is located at 1101 Millmont Street, Charlottesville, VA and is open from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday-Friday.

  4. Bicycle Registration:
    The University Police Department offers online bicycle registration to students, faculty, and staff. Registration information may be used to assist in recovering a stolen or lost bicycle (see Procedures below).

  5. Compliance with Policy:
    Failure to comply with the requirements of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion in accordance with relevant University policies.

    Questions about this policy should be directed to Parking and Transportation Services.

Major Category:
Physical Resource Management
Next Scheduled Review:
10/03/2021
Approved By, Date:
Policy Review Committee, 09/07/2018
Supersedes (previous policy):

Bicycle Policy (Undergraduate Record)