Bicycling is a part of life for the MSU community. Everyone needs to share the road and sidewalks safely. Remembering the roles of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists can make this process easier.

All across campus you’ll find tons of bike lanes designed to help bicyclists share the road with motorists and keep bicyclists off the sidewalks in the path of pedestrians. But on MSU’s campus a number of people still choose the sidewalk as the preferred method of travel while on a bicycle.

An MSU ordinance makes riding a bicycle on non-designated sidewalks and through crosswalks illegal and can result in a ticket.

During 2012 there were 17 bicycle accidents. These accidents included those on the sidewalks, single bike accidents, bike on bike and bike vs. pedestrian. Several required medics.

Whether you’re a faculty member, staff member or student, remembering MSU’s bicycling ordinances can make bicycling safer and more enjoyable.

MSU Police Sergeant Andrea Beasinger offers the following safety tips for bicyclists:

• Use bike lanes when possible.
• Follow all traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles.
• Equip bike with headlight and rear reflector (Ordinance 33.07).
• Avoid using headphones and cell phones while riding.
• Wear a helmet.
• View bicycle safety tips at www.bicyclesafe.com.

The Bicycle Patrol Unit at MSU enforces all ordinances. The Bicycle Patrol Unit operates from March through October and enforces bike and pedestrian violations, monitors areas for crime and safety concerns, and addresses problems with skateboarders and those who use rollerblades. The Unit also does public presentations on bicycle safety and security issues, participates in safety awareness rides in the community and provides escorts to fundraising events.

Motorists on MSU’s campus should also remember to share the roads safely with bicyclists.

“All drivers should be aware at crosswalks that a bike may be entering the road.  As always, any driver should obey the posted speed limit on campus, as driving too fast will affect their response time in the event they need to react to a possible collision,” Beasinger said.  “Drivers should always be cognizant of bike lanes and should never park in a bike lane, even briefly, as this forces a bicyclist into the roadway causing a safety hazard for the bicyclist and other motorists.”

Beasinger also offers the following tip for skateboarders, “they are considered pedestrians and should use the sidewalk.  Use of a skateboard in the roadway, unless using a marked crosswalk, is a violation of ordinance 38.00 Roller Skates and Similar Devices.”