UW Police Emphasize Bicycle Safety

With hundreds of bicyclists on campus as fall semester classes begin, the University of Wyoming Police Department (UWPD) reminds riders to keep safety and courtesy in mind.

“UW is a walking campus, so major walking paths may be subject to dismount zones,” says Mike Samp, UW police chief. “Remember, when you are on your bike, you have the same responsibilities as drivers. So, you have to obey traffic signals, stop signs, ride with the traffic, and you should never ride more than two people abreast in the right hand lane.”

Additionally, he advises riders to use signals, and slow down and give pedestrians lots of space when passing. Alerting pedestrians when approaching to pass is advisable.

UWPD will hold its annual bicycle registration drive during move-in weekend and during the first week of classes. The department’s booth will be located near White Hall between 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 27-28. During the first week of classes, UWPD will register bikes from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on Simpson Plaza. The fee is $5.

“Bicycle thefts are too common on our campus and, in an effort to reduce the number of thefts, UWPD strongly advises that you register your bicycle,” Samp says. “By registering your bicycle, UWPD is able to capture all pertinent information required to increase chances of recovery in the event a bicycle is taken. The information taken off of your bicycle will allow us to do a nationwide search for the stolen property.”

Those unable to make it to the registration table may register bicycles any time afterward at the police department located on the corner of 15th and Flint streets, open 24 hours a day. Bring bicycles to the front lobby.

For those looking for bicycle repair, UW’s Outdoor Program provides tools and an area where students can come in and work on their own bikes. In addition, the program provides a series of bike-tuning clinics so people can learn how to work on their own bikes. The Outdoor Program is located on the northeast corner of Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center.

A full list of UW’s bicycle regulations can be found at www.uwyo.edu/uwpd/on-campus-services/bicycle-information/index.html. For a detailed map of dismount zones and bike racks, go to www.uwyo.edu/rec/outdoor-program/_files/docs/uw-bike-paths.pdf.

For questions and additional information, call UWPD at (307) 766-5179.