Safety Tips

Cyclists

• Ride on the right in the same direction of traffic.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Wear a hard-shell helmet when you ride.
• Be alert. Watch for car doors opening and cars pulling out.
• Avoid riding on sidewalks unless the roads are unsafe.
• Stop at intersections. Follow the same rules as vehicles, stopping at red lights and stop signs.
• Be visible. Wear bright colored clothing and use lights at night.
• Conduct an ABC Check: Check there’s enough AIR in the tires, the BRAKES work properly, and your CHAIN is oiled and on securely.
• Understand the various bike facility types and rules.
• Follow Traffic Laws & University Bicycle Rules:
  
  • Cyclists should use extreme caution and slow down or walk their bicycles when interacting with pedestrians.
  • Do not ride on sidewalks or pedestrian-only areas.
  • Bicycles using campus roadways operate with the same rules as automobiles.
  • Bike rack use on campus is mandatory.
  • Bikes locked or left anywhere else besides a bike rack are subject to the lock being cut and the bike being impounded by University Police.

*Parking and Transit Services offers free bike registration for your personal bicycle. 

Drivers

• Always follow traffic laws.
• Watch for pedestrians and give them the right-of-way.
• Expect pedestrian traffic to increase between classes.
• Expect vehicle traffic to increase during class changes and at the beginning and end of the business day.
• Use caution when driving through parking lots. Pedestrians may appear from behind cars.
• Do not get in a rush. Give yourself plenty of time when driving on campus.
• Pay attention. Put away your phone and other distractions when driving.

Pedestrians

• Use marked crosswalks to cross streets.
• Stop at the curb, look both directions, and make sure traffic is clear or has stopped before crossing.
• During rainy weather allow extra time and distance for a vehicle to stop.
• Wear bright-colored clothes so vehicles can see you at night or during rainy weather.
• Avoid distractions, such as checking your phone or wearing headphones when walking near traffic.

Scooters

• Wear appropriate safety gear.
• Be alert. Watch for pedestrians and vehicles.
• Be visible. Wear bright-colored clothing and use lights at night.
• Walk your scooter across roadways in marked crosswalks.
• Walk your scooter in pedestrian and crowded areas.
• Scooters are not allowed to be ridden in buildings or parked outside building doors. Scooter parking is in designated places only.
• Do not lock your scooter to any structures or facilities except campus bike or scooter racks.

Facility Type Definitions

More Information

Campus Safety Tips
MSU Traffic and Parking Rules & Regulations