Iowa State University


Inside Iowa State
April 30, 1999

Ask Inside

Send your questions about Iowa State sites, history, people, policies and "things" to Ask Inside, 217 Communications, e-mail: inside@iastate.edu.

Q: Bicyclists on this campus seem free to ride wherever they want. Why don't we enforce a "bikes in bike lanes only" policy?

A: Periodically, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) stops bikers and issues tickets for bicycle violations. ISU rules read that bikes may not be operated on sidewalks unless they are designated as bike paths (the same is true for the city of Ames). The rules also say that when on the street, bikes must follow all traffic laws as if they were motor vehicles - - that includes stop signs, one-way limitations and speed rules.

Information on existing bike routes is available in the DPS office in the Armory.

On a nice day in the spring, we estimate there are 5,000 to 6,000 bikes on campus. With the regular turnover of students, it's hard to keep everyone informed of bike regulations, and enforcement is a constant challenge. Officers are out again this spring, though.

Over the last several years, DPS parking division has funded bike improvements on campus. Much of the investment has gone to bike parking. In the next few years, an emphasis will be on rules and signs for bike paths. Each year, new signs will be installed.

Source: Department of Public Safety

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Revised 04/29/99