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University Police Bicycle Program
Register Your Bicycle
Bicycle/Skateboard Regulations
Bicycle Regulations
Bicycle Security
Bicycle/Moped Registration
All bicycles and mopeds in Centre County must be registered. Bicycle and moped owners can complete the registration at any on-campus Penn State parking kiosk, when staffed, or any time at the University Police Station. At the beginning of each fall semester, University Police and the Parking Office coordinate and establish areas around campus for bicycle owners to complete the registration process. All bikes have to be registered online if affiliated with Penn State (students, faculty, staff). Centre Region residents can register their bicycles at the University Police Station, State College Police Station, or at some businesses within the Centre Region.
Bicycle registrations expire every two years, but if you move, you can complete a new registration and provide your new contact information. Registrations are not transferable between bicycles or owners. The bicycle permit must be affixed immediately to the middle of the seat tube or visible on the seat post if it is a racing bike, facing the front of the bike.
Registration only takes a few minutes and is free.
Personal Safety Tips
- Make sure your bicycle/moped is in a safe mechanical operating condition.
- Wear a helmet when riding.
- Obey all traffic control devices and routing signs.
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Maintain a safe stopping distance behind moving cars.
- Do not pass an automobile on the right.
- Be courteous and fair to pedestrians, other bicyclists, and automobiles.
- Avoid traveling too fast down hills or on rough and/or slippery surfaces.
- Make sure you have appropriate reflectors mounted to your bicycle. When riding in low lighting conditions, you must have a headlight.
Equipment Security
- Always lock your bicycle. Don't leave it unlocked if it is unattended for even "just a minute.”
- Use a high quality lock and case hardened chain to secure your bicycle. Avoid locks that can be easily picked, broken, or cut with wire cutters.
- Lock your bicycle by placing the chain through both wheels, the frame, and around the stationary object.
University Police Bicycle Program
The University Police Bicycle Patrol has proven to be an excellent method of policing the campus. The bicycle patrol is a cost effective way to conduct policing. Initiated in 1992, five police officers were assigned to bicycle patrol at University Park. Following this period, additional officers were added to the bicycle patrol force. The department currently owns 11 mountain bikes, which are adapted specifically for patrol operations. The bicycle patrol on average logs over 5,000 miles per year, excluding winter months.
- There are many benefits associated with bicycle patrols.
- The mobility of the bicycles enables officers to patrol areas more frequently and to move silently in and out of any area.
- Bike patrols can move through areas of congestion with relative ease compared to police cruisers.
- Violators on bicycles can be easily pursued regardless of the route they may take.
- Contact with the community increases with the bicycling officers being more approachable than those in automobiles.
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Bicycle Regulations
At all times, University Police enforces the on-campus rules and regulations of the following:
- Bicycles
- Mopeds
- Skateboards
- Inline skates
- Roller skates
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Bicycle Security
- Always lock your bicycle. Don't leave it unlocked even if it is unattended for "just a minute.”
- Use a high quality lock and case hardened chain to secure your bicycle. Avoid locks that can be easily picked, broken, or cut with wire cutters.
- Lock your bicycle by placing the chain through both wheels, the frame, and around the stationary object.