Welcome to Bike ASU, an online course that teaches
the rules of the road for bicyclists,
as well as etiquette reminders for drivers,
pedestrians and cyclists alike, to ensure safe travels across campus for all Sun Devils.
We’ll start with an overview of state
and local bicycle riding laws, then take a look at ASU policies.
We’ll introduce the role of pedestrian and driver etiquette
and then finish up with highlighting the many bicycle resources that are available to the
campus community.
By the end of this course,
you’ll have the information you need to be a savvy cycling Sun Devil.
We can’t emphasize how important it will be for you to stay alert and aware
of other pedestrians, skateboarders, cyclists and vehicles.
When riding on the roadway, bicyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
Never ride against traffic on the road, in a bike lane or on the sidewalk.
Tempe law also states that when you’re riding on the sidewalk
and are about to enter or cross a roadway you must yield the
right of way to all traffic in the roadway.
Just like drivers of vehicles, bicyclists are required to stop at stop signs and
stop lights and to yield when appropriate.
Remember that running stop signs is dangerous and can result in fines
with points added to your driver’s license.
Wear light, bright-colored clothing during the day, and reflective clothing when
cycling between sunset and sunrise.
At night, you must use a rear red reflector and a white headlight.
A red taillight is highly recommended.
ASU students, faculty and staff who bike on campus are required
to register their bicycles.
Simply bring your bicycle and ASU ID card to any bike valet station or PTS office
to register your bike and receive a sticker permit.
Registering your bicycle is free, may help to deter theft if a would-be thief spots the
registration sticker, and assists in recovering the bicycle in the event it is stolen.
Once your bike is registered, you will also gain use of the card-access
bicycle storage facilities.
When riding on campus, bicyclists must have at least one hand on the handle bars.
Do not allow skateboarders to hang on for the ride.
Do not text or email while riding.
Headphone use is discouraged.
Be alert for all pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
Safety is a shared responsibility.
Lock your bike only to a bicycle rack, or it will be subject to impoundment.
To properly lock your bike, use either two u-locks
or a u-lock and cable going through both wheels, the frame, and the rack.
In general, when bicycling,
always ride as far right as possible.
Use hand signals when making turns and stops
Slow down and be especially alert near driveway entrances – this is critical for
cyclists as well as drivers
Make left-hand turns from the left-hand turn lane.
Cyclists and drivers should exercise extreme caution when bike lanes merge to make
room for a right turn-only lane
You know the rules, now let’s get ready to ride.
First, choose a helmet that is snug, low and level, and is CPSC or ANSI approved
Purchase a high quality U-Lock for 50 percent off the retail price from Parking and Transit Services.
PTS also sells headlights and tail lights for deeply discounted rates.
Before you get on your bike, perform the ABC Quick Check.
Your bike is ready to go, but are you?
Make sure you’ve got your route planned out before you start peddling.
Take advantage of the bike route feature on Google maps to help you find a path that
will help you avoid dangerous roadways and intersections.
Riding a short distance out of your way for a safer route can be worth the time.
One great idea is to pair riding your bicycle with public transit.
If your route takes you to a bus stop or light rail station, rest assured
there are accommodations for your bike when your board the bus or train.
ASU intercampus shuttles also accommodate bicycles.
Need help securing your bike to the racks on the shuttle?
Feel free to ask the driver for assistance.
Regardless the mode of transportation, all Sun Devils can work together to
support safe travels across campus malls and around campus streets.
When riding on campus malls where cycling is permitted, please use reasonable,
prudent speed – from the perspective of the pedestrian.
The pedestrians you are riding alongside likely do not have the same level
of confidence in your cycling abilities as you do.
Avoid accidents by biking defensively and being aware of those around you.
Drivers can assist in creating a safe bicycling atmosphere in many ways.
One way is abiding to the bike boxes located at several intersections around the Tempe campus.
When you see the green bike box, come to a complete stop behind the bike box.
Do not enter the bike box until the light is green.
Right-on-red is not permitted at intersections with bike boxes.
Drivers also must be alert to shared lane markings, which remind drivers
that bicyclists are permitted to use the entire traffic lane with vehicles.
According to state law, it’s a driver’s responsibility to be sure it’s safe before opening a car door
into traffic, but clearly, the cyclist stands a better chance of being hurt if they run into a car door,
so please be aware of the risk.
Drivers and vehicle passengers can use the Dutch Reach when they park street-side
to avoid hitting a cyclist as they open their car doors.
With the Dutch Reach, passengers exiting from the driver’s side of the car should
reach with their right hand to open the door, which leads the driver and passenger
to look over their shoulders and spot oncoming cyclists.
On shared paths, bicycles, skateboarders, carts and all other wheeled vehicles
must yield to pedestrians.
Be considerate of other Sun Devils.
On the Tempe campus, make sure to adhere to the Walk-Only Zones.
Walk-Only Zones enforcement is 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, during which time,
no one may ride or drive wheeled vehicles in Walk-Only Zones.
Wheeled vehicles include:
Bicycles, delivery, maintenance and landscaping cars, trucks and carts,
electric vehicles and golf carts, inline and roller skates, scooters, segways, skateboards
Walk-only zones are not intended to limit or redirect use of mobility devices
by individuals with disabilities.
When you’re ready to park your bike on campus, there is no shortage of options
ASU campuses have bike racks, bike valet stations and card-access facilities for convenient bicycle parking.
Locking your bike to a handrail, light pole or any other fixed object is not an option.
Not only is bicycling a sustainable mode for commuting, it keeps you active at ASU.
You may not be an avid cyclist right now, but consider incorporating biking into
your daily routine even once or twice a week.
It’s a great way to sneak some exercise into your daily routine.
Visit bike.asu.edu to learn about many more campus resources available to cyclists
including bike co-ops, bicycle fix-it stations, showers, and the ASU Cycling Team.
We hope you’ve found this course to be interesting and informative.
ASU is proud to be a gold-level Bicycle Friendly University, and hope all Sun Devils work
together to make trips across campus safe for everyone.