Rideables at BYU
Gone are the days when a car was required for life at BYU. Students can now use a variety of cool, convenient, cost-effective, and environment friendly ways to get to, from, and around campus. Privately owned bikes, scooters, hoverboards and skateboards are among the unique rideables you might see students using around campus. Before you buy your own rideable, please review the BYU policies below.
Follow this link to the official BYU Traffic, Parking, and Rideables Policy.
The following procedures are related to the Traffic, Parking, and Rideables Policy:
Use of Campus Roads
While using a roadway on BYU campus, a rideable is considered a vehicle and you have the same rights and are subject to the same provisions as the operator of any other vehicle. This includes obeying traffic signals, stop and yield signs, and all other official traffic control devices.
Ride as far to the right as practicable except when
- passing another rideable or vehicle,
- preparing to turn left,
- going straight through an intersection past a right-turn-only lane,
- avoiding unsafe conditions on the right-hand edge of the roadway, or
- traveling in a lane too narrow to safely ride side-by-side with another vehicle.
Ride no more than two abreast and then only if you would not impede traffic.
Turning and Signaling
Always signal your intention to turn right or left, change lanes, or stop at least three seconds before doing so. You do not have to maintain a continuous signal if you need your hand to control the rideable. Once stopped in a designated turn lane, you are not required to signal again before turning.
To make a left turn, you have two options:
- Use the left turn lane or two-way left turn lane in the same manner required of motor vehicles; or
- Staying on the right side of the roadway, ride through the intersecting roadway to the far corner and stop. After it is safe and legal to do so, cross in the new direction, continuing to travel on the right side of the roadway.
The acceptable hand signals are:
- Left turn – left hand and arm extended horizontally;
- Right turn – left hand and arm extended upward or right hand and arm extended horizontally; and
- Stop or decrease speed – left hand and arm extended downward.
Lights, Equipment, and Operation
Always yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal when overtaking them. Use care and safe speeds to avoid collisions. Never ride where rideables are prohibited.
While using a rideable, never attach yourself or your device to any vehicles moving on the roadway.
Never participate in races or exhibitions of speed.
Do not carry any package, bundle, or article that prevents using both hands to control your rideable. You must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times, if the device is equipped with handlebars.
You should have a white headlight, red tail light or reflector, and must be visible in low light conditions.
BYU Police or BYU Security may, at any time upon reasonable cause to believe that your rideable is unsafe or not equipped as required, or that its equipment is not in proper adjustment or repair, require you to stop and submit to an inspection and a test as appropriate.
Responsibilities of Motorists around Rideables
Motorists may not pass within 3 (three) feet of a moving rideable.
Motorists may not attempt to distract anyone operating a rideable for the purpose of causing injury or force a rideable off the roadway.
Motorists may cross the centerline or the center two-way left turn lane to pass a rideable operator if it can be done safely without violating the speed limit.
Rideable Regulations
The speed limit for using rideables on campus sidewalks has been standardized and established as 5 mph, or a fast walking speed.
Operating rideables on sidewalks within the inside of Campus Drive is prohibited during class breaks.
Rideables must be parked / locked in an outside rack. Rideables found in violation may be impounded.
All rideables are required to come to a complete stop at the stop sign located at the bottom of Maeser Hill.
Operating a rideable down the Helaman Halls ramp and the Smith Fieldhouse ramp is prohibited.
Rideables Safety Tips
WEAR A HELMET. It is recommended that anyone operating a rideable wear a good-quality helmet.
Wear light-colored or reflective clothing at night.
Watch out for people opening car doors when you pass a parked motor vehicle.
When riding on sidewalks, reduce your speed and exercise caution. Remember, there are no signs on sidewalks that regulate traffic flow, so expect the unexpected.
Be on the lookout for and avoid the following road surface hazards:
- loose sand, rocks, glass and debris
- road expansion joints that run parallel to the front tire
- standing water and puddles
- drainage grates with holes that run parallel to the front tire
- holes, cracks and road-edge deterioration or drop-offs
- railroad tracks that are not perpendicular to the direction of travel
Be extra careful if riding in the rain. Remember the following:
- Braking distance is increased because of wet rims and wet brake pads. Apply brakes earlier than you would in dry conditions.
- Visibility is decreased. Wear bright-colored clothing.
- Rain makes road surfaces, manhole covers, and painted stripes slicker. Slow down, especially when turning.
- Avoid puddles. You never know how deep a hole is if it is full of water.
Theft Prevention Tips
LOCK UP YOUR BIKE. Follow these guidelines when locking a bike:
- Always lock your device to an outside bike rack.
- Use a good-quality U-lock.
- Secure the U-lock through the rideable frame and the rack. If a bicycle, remove the front wheel and secure it with the rear wheel and frame, or run a cable through both tires.
- Engrave your driver’s license number onto the frame of the device for later identification. Register bicycles with BYU Police, 2120 JKB.
If your rideable is stolen, report it immediately to BYU Police, 801-422-0911.