UA Police: bicyclists need to follow same rules as drivers

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Posted 7:44 AM 8/24/2012 : UA Police: bicyclists need to follow same rules as drivers

TUCSON- Every day thousands of bicyclists pedal across the University of Arizona campus and UA Police want to make sure everyone travels safely.

They're encouraging students and staff to participate in The Bicycle Safety and Education Campaign. It's designed to educate community members on UA regulations and Arizona State laws relating to bicycle traffic.

UA Freshman China Rae Newman rides her bike to class everyday. "I look where I'm going and I cross my fingers," Newman says.

Between the pedestrians, drivers and construction around campus, there are a lot of distractions.

UA Police Officer Joe Bermudez says bicyclists need to follow the same rules as drivers. That includes stopping at Stop signs, yielding to pedestrians and cars, only riding in designated bike lanes and signaling with a hand when making a turn, or coming to a stop.

"I do try and indicate which way I'm going so people don't run into me," Newman says.

Officer Bermudez says it's also important to keep your bike protected. Last year there were more than 250 stolen bikes across campus. "Most people coming to campus looking to steal bikes are looking for bikes that are locked with either a cable, or a chain link because those are easier to cut through."

He recommends the U-lock because it's harder to break through.

Bicyclists should register their bikes with UA Parking and Transportation. "In the event it does get stolen, they report it to us and we get a serial number," Bermudez says. "If we find it, we can then return it to the owner."

Newman registered her bike and also put a bell on the handle so she can alert pedestrians if she's pedaling toward them. "It's really helpful when trying to get from class to class," Newman says.

Campus Police will be in the following locations over the next few weeks to support the campaign:

September 5: 9am-11am (University/Cherry)

September 11: 9am-11am (Highland/4th)

September 19: 12pm-2pm (University/Cherry)

September 25: 9am-11am (Olive/2nd)

September 26: 9am-11am (AZ Health Sciences Center/South of Science Library)