OF
RECORD
This
Bicycle Policy was initially implemented November 1, 1993
after University Council had adopted a resolution of the
Safety and Security Committee (Almanac,
April 4, 1992) to address what was "widely perceived
as a conflict between the use of bicycles and the safety
of pedestrians on campus." The resolution called for
the installation of numerous bicycle racks in convenient
locations; the institution of a program to register bicycles
with Public Safety and a policy restricting bicycle use at
certain hours on central pedestrian arteries of the campus.
The policy is being presented below as a reminder for the
entire University community.
Bicycle
Policy
Preamble
The
University recognizes that concerns exist within the University
community regarding the safe use of bicycles on and about the
campus. Pedestrians are concerned that they must be overly
vigilant to avoid physical encounters with cyclists, particularly
in heavy traffic areas. They argue that, to prevent a possible
injury, walking a short distance should not be a hardship on
the cyclist. Many University community members have concerns
about bicycles impeding the free ingress/egress of buildings,
especially in the event of an emergency. Additionally some
experience extreme difficulty using the stairs when the handrails
are not accessible. Many are concerned about the disorderly
appearance of campus when bicycles are secured to trees, trip
rails and other inappropriate fixed objects.
Cyclists
have legitimate concerns of their own. Their concerns are that
regulatory reaction by the University might impair their functional
use of bicycles for transportation to and about campus, that
there are an insufficient number of reliable bicycle racks
available, and that they are victimized by the theft of their
bicycles or component parts.
In
order to address the concerns of the entire community, the
University has adopted the following bicycle use policy which,
we believe, balances and provides for the needs of all concerned
parties. Enforcement of the policy is authorized by the Pennsylvania
Vehicle Code, the Philadelphia Code and the Philadelphia Fire
Code. However, like most policies, it relies on the thoughtfulness,
cooperation and consideration of the entire University community.
Policy
I.
Purpose
A.
To enhance pedestrian and rider safety within the inner campus
during peak traffic periods.
B. To provide for the safe and free ingress/egress to and from all the University
buildings and facilities.
C. To reduce bicycle theft losses.
D. To identify, establish and publish written guidelines and regulations to facilitate
the movement of bicycle traffic to and about the campus while safeguarding
the needs of the community population, at large.
II.
Scope
This
policy applies to all University faculty, staff and students
who own, operate or store any pedal drive, human powered vehicles, on
or about the building, grounds or premises of the University
of Pennsylvania, West Philadelphia campus.
III.
Policy Defined
A.
Registration
The
University recommends that every bicycle owned, operated or
stored on or about the campus, should be registered with the
University Division of Public Safety. The advantages of bicycle
registration are:
1. Police
will have a quick means to establish the ownership of a bicycle
that has been removed from your control. Return of the property,
and if appropriate, the arrest of a thief or receiver of stolen
property will be greatly enhanced.
2. If
your bicycle is lost or stolen the University Police (UPPD)
will verify the existence of that bicycle to your insurance
carrier, if requested. If the bicycle is not registered, UPPD
will take your report of lost or stolen property; however,
no verification of the prior existence of that bicycle, as
your property, can be affixed to that report when forwarded
to your insurance carrier.
3. Bicycles
remaining in UPPD custody without identification of
ownership are periodically sold at public auction. Dates, times,
and places of registration for bicycles will be widely advertised
throughout each academic year with periodic reminders as may
be appropriate with changes in the University population such
as the beginning of the spring semester and the summer sessions.
B.
Synopsis of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Law
1. Human
powered, pedal cycles are vehicles according to the Pennsylvania
Vehicle Code.
2. Vehicles,
as indicated in #1 above are subject to the provisions of the
vehicle code when operated on the highways and may not stop,
sander park where prohibited or where controlled by official
traffic control devices to include fire lanes, handicapped
zones, etc.
3. The
Philadelphia Code prohibits any person above the age of 12
from riding a cycle on any sidewalk or pedestrian pathway in
a business district. The Penn Campus area meets the definition
of a business district.
4. A
person walking a bicycle is considered a pedestrian.
5. The
Philadelphia Fire Code requires clear passage from all exits
and stairways at all times. No obstruction shall be permitted.
6. University
Police are authorized to enforce both the Pennsylvania Vehicle
Code and City of Philadelphia Ordinances.
C.
Riding Restricted by Time or Place
In
order to provide the opportunity for the accident-free passage
of both pedestrians and cyclists, the following riding restrictions
are instituted:
1. Cyclists
can ride their vehicles on Locust, Smith, and Hamilton Walks
only between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. If heavy
pedestrian traffic occurs it is expected that riders will dismount
in deference to pedestrians.
2. Cyclists
will walk their vehicles on Locust, Smith, and Hamilton Walks
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
3. The
ride/walk provisions of 1 and 2 above, also apply to the pedestrian
feeders to Locust Walk from Walnut and Spruce streets via 36th
and 37th streets.
4. University
Police on bicycles will be exempt from the above described
restrictions in order to provide enforcement, efficient patrol
service and emergency response. Police, consistent with their
specialized training and the guidance of their supervisors,
will operate bicycles in a responsible manner.
D.
Parking and Securing of Bicycles
In
order to reduce the opportunity for theft, the University has
significantly increased the number of structurally sound bicycle
security racks distributed at convenient locations throughout
inner campus. University Police are particularly attentive
to these concentrations of security racks during their patrols.
1. Bicycles
should be secured to a bike rack every time they must be left
unattended on campus, even if it is to be left for a moment.
2. Bicycles
shall not be locked, secured, or otherwise parked to handrails,
fences, trees, trip rails, or to, or in any other location
that, in any manner, obscures the free ingress/egress of any
building, stairway, pathway, or in such a manner as to interfere
with the access to facilities as required by the U.S. Americans
with Disabilities Act.
3. Locking
Devices and Methods.
a. The
U-shaped Kryptonite-type bicycle locks appear to be among the
best types of locking devices.
b. When
physically possible secure the main frame to the security rack.
c. If
wheels are of the quick-release type, attempt to secure lock
through the security rack, the bike frame and the wheel. If
necessary, use an additional lock with a long shackle or a
cable and lock to secure all the parts together.
d. If
the bicycle is equipped with a quick-release seat adjustment,
consider removing the seat and taking it with you.
e. Never
secure a bicycle to an object which can, itself, be disassembled,
cut or removed.
f. Use
the bicycle security racks on the inner campus.
E.
Enforcement
In
order to preserve the intent and the integrity of any policy
there must always be a means to ensure compliance. The University's
Division of Public Safety, Police department is charged with
enforcement action.
1. Parking
and securing of Bicycles. Owners or operators of bicycles
parked in violation of Para. D., section 2, of this policy
will be subject to the following sanctions:
a. UPPD
officers will confiscate the bicycle by removal to their headquarters
or by adding a UPPD lock.
b. A
confiscated bicycle will be released upon proof of ownership
and the payment of a $5 fee. For a second confiscation in the
same academic year (September l to August 31) a fee of $15
will apply.
c. Third
and subsequent confiscations in the same academic year will
generate a report to the appropriate University authority*
with a request for sanction(s). A $25 fee will apply.
d. A
pattern of noncompliance extending over multiple academic years will
be addressed by the Commissioner of the Division of Public
Safety, with those University officials deemed most appropriate
to bring about compliance.
e. When
the bicycle is also parked in violation of the Vehicle Code
or City Ordinance the officer may, at his/her discretion, issue
a Parking Violation Report or a Traffic Citation each of which
requires payment of a fine and costs to civil authorities.
2. Operation
of Bicycles When/Where Prohibited
a. Cycles
operated in violation of Para. C, sections 1, 2, & 3, of
this policy, qualify under the Vehicle Code for issuance of
a Traffic Citation.
b. Violation
as in a. immediately above, could also qualify for issuance
of a Non-Traffic Criminal Citation under City Ordinances.
Only
one of these can be issued for the same offense. Normally
the Traffic Citation will be used.
c. In
addition, disregard for traffic control devices, operation
of the bicycle in such a manner as to be considered reckless,
or to reasonably be considered to have caused damage or injury
by negligent operation are some of the more common provisions
of the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code which will also qualify for
the issuance of a Traffic Citation.
d. All
citations require payment of a fine and costs to civil authorities
upon conviction.
* Appropriate authorities are:
1. JIO
for undergraduate students.
2. Dean of a School for graduate students.
3. Office of the Provost for faculty.
4. Department Director w/copy to Vice President of Human
Resources for employees.
Almanac, Vol. 49, No. 9, October 22, 2002
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