Princeton University Bike Policy
Princeton University encourages the use of bicycles as a
convenient and sustainable form of transportation on campus. Unless
otherwise noted, the regulations outlined here apply to all cyclists
operating non-motorized bicycles.
- Registration
- Princeton Station Bike Commuters
- Traffic Laws
- Bike Parking
- Bike Lock Removal
- Abandonment/Confiscation
- Summer Storage
- Theft
Registration
Registration aids in the recovery of a bicycle that is lost
or stolen, and it also facilitates enforcement of bicycle regulations. Bicycle registration is required for faculty, staff, and students who ride on the Princeton University campus.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR BIKE
Bike registration is free and must be renewed every five years. If you have additional questions you can view the FAQs. Additionally, cyclists may choose to register their bikes with the National Bike Registry for a $10.00 fee.*
* Please note that this is an optional service
and does not substitute for registration with Transportation &
Parking Services.
Steps to register a bicycle:
1. Complete and submit the online Bike Registration Form
2. After completing form, please pick up decal at
Transportation & Parking Services at A Floor, New South, Monday to
Friday, between 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (8:00 am - 5:30 pm starting October
1). Please bring your TigerCard.
Princeton Station Bike Commuters
It is strongly encouraged that Princeton Station bike
commuters register their bike with Princeton University’s Transportation
& Parking Services. This aids the University in notifying commuters
when a bike sweep at the train station will occur, as well as aid in
the quick recovery of stolen bikes. The following form is for Princeton Station Bike Commuters ONLY:
PRINCETON STATION BIKE COMMUTER REGISTRATION
Traffic Laws
Princeton University promotes safe and responsible riding on campus. It is strongly
encouraged that riders wear a helmet. When riding on campus, cyclists
should obey all New Jersey state and local laws. Please familiarize
yourself with these laws, as cyclists are granted the same rights and
subject to all duties of motor vehicle drivers.
Bike Safety Recommendations
The following are recommendations for safe riding on and around the Princeton University campus.
Campus walkways and trails:
• Maintain a safe and reasonable speed at all times.
• Be considerate of pedestrians, as campus pathways are shared among pedestrians and cyclists.
• Remain alert at all times. Do not ride with headphones or while talking on a cell phone.
• Maintain your bicycle properly.
• Refer to the campus bike map for suggested bike-friendly routes.
Roads:
• Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
Walk your bike when campus traffic is congested. Pass with caution on
the left and alert the people around you before doing so.
• Ride in the direction of traffic (“Bike to the right.”)
• Use hand signals before turning.
• Don’t stop in a driver’s blind spot.
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing at all times. Use reflectors and reflective tape.
• Ride single-file and in a straight line. Don’t weave between cars.
• Use a mirror.
Bike Parking
Bicycles are to be secured only to University-provided
bicycle racks. The campus provides more than 3,600 spaces for bikes. You
can view buildings with nearby bike rack locations here. For a list of campus bicycle rack locations, please click here.
Bikes that are not parked in accordance with this policy will be
confiscated by the University and owners may be subject to a fine.
Specifically:
• Bicycles shall not be secured to benches, light posts, trees, chain/post borders, handrails, or bus shelters.
• Bicycles shall not block (or be attached to) wheelchair ramps in any manner.
• Bicycles shall not be ridden indoors.
• Interior bicycle storage is permitted on a limited basis
only. Bicycles are not permitted to be secured or locked to any interior
railing, placed in a hallway, or allowed to impede a means of egress.
• Bicycles are permitted inside dorm rooms if they are
placed so that they do not block or impede egresses. Hooks are available
for students who wish to hang their bicycles in their rooms. To obtain
hooks, students should contact the Facilities Customer Service Center at 8-8000. Requests are gathered during the first few weeks of classes, and the installations begin mid-October.
Fines:
Fines will be charged to the registered bike owner. If
the bike is unregistered, it will be confiscated by the University and
considered unclaimed–all fees must be paid before the bike is released.
• First-time offenders: a $25 fee will be charged for the
first violation of the parking regulations provided in the University
Bike Policy.
• Multiple offenses: a $50 fee will be charged per offense
for each subsequent violation of the parking regulations provided in
the University Bike Policy.
Bike Lock Removal
As a service to university community members who have
registered their bicycles, the Department of Facilities will provide
assistance in removing bike locks for individuals who have lost their
lock keys or combinations. This service is available at no charge. Proof
of ownership is required prior to the removal of the lock. Please
complete the bike lock removal form. Your bike must be registered with the University prior to removal of lock.
Abandonment/Confiscation
Princeton University will confiscate bicycles that are either abandoned or unclaimed.
A bike is considered abandoned if:
• It is not registered with the University
• Displays signs of significant neglect, such as flat or bent tires or missing parts
A bike is considered unclaimed if:
• Owner does not pick up his/her bike within 90 days of confiscation
• It fails to be claimed after summer storage drop off
If the bicycle is registered, the University will make
its best efforts to contact the owner within the 90-day period. If the
bicycle is not claimed at the end of the 90-day period, it will be
donated, recycled, or otherwise discarded as the University deems
appropriate. The University is not responsible for damaged locks when
removing abandoned bikes.
No longer want your bike? Donate it!
• The student volunteer-run U-Bikes program
collects and repairs unwanted bikes and rents them to members of the
campus community for a small fee. For more information, email ubikes@princeton.edu.
• The Princeton Tour Company collects and repairs unwanted bikes and donates them to families in Africa. For more information, email info@princetontourcompany.com.
• Pedals4Progress is a NJ non-profit organization that donates unwanted bikes to partner organizations in 32 developing countries.
• Boys & Girls Club of Trenton and Mercer County
is a non-profit organization that provides after-school care.
Bike-related activities include teaching children how to repair and
build bicycles.
Summer Storage
At the end of the academic year, students who are not
residing on campus for the summer must remove their bikes from Princeton
University bike racks; otherwise, your bike will be confiscated.
Storage Options
The Moving & Storage Agency provides bike pick-up and
storage for a fee of $50, with optional $5 insurance. For more
information, please visit www.princeton.edu/agencies. In addition, please click here for local off-campus storage options.
Theft
If you believe your bike has been stolen, please contact the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-1000.
Source: www.princeton.edu/transportation/bikewalk.html
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