Bicycles

Bicycle registration

Bicycle Registration is FREE and strongly encouraged for all bicycles parked or operated on Murray State University Main Campus. The benefit to registering your bicycle is an increase in the likelihood of return if the bike is lost or stolen.

Once you have registered your bicycle, it will remain registered to you and your bicycle permit will remain valid. If you sell or trade your bicycle, please contact the Parking office via email at msu.parkingoffice@murraystate.edu or call us at 270.809.4812, so we may expire your permit.

To complete the registration process, you will need to know:

• Serial number – Usually located under bottom bracket of bike

• Frame size – See photo for measuring instructions

• Wheel size – Usually listed on the bike tire

• Sticker placement – The larger sticker is to be placed on the longest bar of the bike frame. See picture below for placement.

Register your bicycle

If you have any difficulty finding this information, please bring your bike to the parking office so our staff may assist you. Once registered, you will be issued a bike permit sticker to be placed on the longest bar of the bike frame.

Bicycle regulations

Parking and storage of bicycles on Murray State campus

Please secure your bicycle to a bike rack using a sturdy lock. Using one or two U-locks with a 6-foot chain (the thicker the better) will allow you to lock your bike to any bike rack and secure your wheels too. However, be aware that chains and cables may be cut so never entrust your bicycle to a thin cable or simple chain lock alone. Standard inverted U racks accommodate two bikes per loop. If a bike rack is full, please go to another rack.

When parking your bike, please do not obstruct walkways, railings, doorways or ramps intended for use by pedestrians or people with disabilities. And please never chain a bike to a stair rail, light post, sign post, or tree. Also, do not obstruct doorways, railings, walkways, or ramps intended for use by pedestrians or people with disabilities. Improperly parked bikes may be removed and impounded by Murray State Police.

Bike parking tips

• Only park at designated bike racks on campus.

• If a bike rack is full, please go to another rack.

• A U-lock combined with a thick, heavy chain is recommended.

• Please do not risk damage to your bike by securing it improperly.

• Never leave accessories or loose items on your bike.

• Never secure a bike to a light pole, sign post, railing, stairwell, bench, tree or other undesignated area

Lost or stolen bicycles

If your bike is lost or stolen, please contact Murray State Police to file a police report. You will be asked to provide your bicycle registration number, serial number, and a description of your bike (make, model, size and color). If you witness a bike theft or other crime in progress, go to the nearest blue emergency phone to contact the police. If you are calling from a campus land line phone, the emergency phone number is 2222. If you are calling from a cell phone, call 270.809.2222.

Abandoned or improperly parked bicycle abatement

A bicycle may be tagged as abandoned if found in the same location over an extended period of time (two weeks or more) with any combination of missing parts, cobweb covered, flat tire, and/or rusted chain. Improperly parked bikes chained to benches, light poles, sign posts, railings, stairwells, and other undesignated areas may be tagged as well. If a tagged bicycle is registered then an attempt will be made to contact the bike owner. If the bike is not registered and/or the bike owner does not take corrective action then Murray State Police may impound the bike. This abatement process is performed on an ongoing basis around campus. Please register your bike so you can be notified in case it is tagged.

NOTE: The University is not responsible or liable in any way for lost, stolen, or damaged bicycles or bike accessories. The University is not responsible for the cost of locks, chains, other security devices, or any other item that may be damaged or destroyed as a result of impounding any bicycle. The University has no responsibility or liability to replace or make compensation for such items.

Bicycle safety 

Bicycles are vehicles and the cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as car or truck drivers.

Riding by the same set of rules as motorists makes you predictable and can reduce your risk of having an accident. Follow these simple guidelines:

• Inspect your bicycle routinely. Check the braking system, tires and steering.

• Always wear a bicycle helmet. Serious injury or even death can be prevented.

• While riding your bicycle wear fluorescent or brightly colored clothing with reflective materials.

• Bicycles must have front and rear reflectors.

• Cyclists should ride at the far right of the roadway in the direction of traffic flow. Use low volume roadways whenever possible. Obey all traffic control signals and signs. Watch for cars pulling into traffic from parking spaces, parked car doors opening, roadway hazards (rocks, uneven pavement).

• When entering the flow of traffic always look and signal. Make eye contact with the approaching driver, ensure the driver sees you.

• Crossing intersections can be dangerous if you are not seen. The best practice is to walk your bicycle across a pedestrian crosswalk.

• Your bicycle must “fit you.” Check the size. If you can stand above the horizontal crossbar with your seat at hip level, the fit a good.

• Don’t ride with headphones or ear protection. You must be able to hear what is going on around you.

• Your bicycle must have:

• At least one braking system.

Bicycle theft prevention

Bicycle theft occurs on any college campus. Many bicycle thefts can be prevented by taking certain precautions and eliminating opportunities. Follow these basic guidelines:

• It is suggested to use a heavy duty U-Lock. Leave as little space as possible in the “U” portion of the lock to minimize space for tools to be inserted.

• Always lock your bicycle to a secure object such as a bike rack. Lock the bicycle even for only a few minutes.

• Position the lock with the key opening facing toward the ground.

• Lock or remove components that could be easily stolen from the bicycle.

• If you use a cable to lock your bicycle, it should be at least ¼”in diameter not including any plastic covering.

• Register your bicycle through the Police Department Department. This is a free service to all faculty, staff and students.

• When leaving your bicycle, secure it in a well lighted area.