Register a bike: Step 1

Please read the new bicycle rules and regulations and complete the 8 question quiz.  Once you submit a passing quiz, you will be directed to the registration page to complete this process.

Rice University
Bicycle Safety Rules and Practices

Rice University acknowledges that there are competing interests within the University community regarding the safe use of bicycles on campus. Due to the campus layout, it is currently the practice for bicycles to follow designated bicycle routes on campus. Pedestrians’ interests lie in avoiding physical encounters with cyclists, especially in high-traffic areas. Cyclists are interested in ensuring that any bicycle regulations do not unfairly impair the use of bicycles for transportation on the campus. To balance these and other competing interests, the University has adopted the following bicycle safety rules, which seek to address the needs of all interested parties. Like most Rice rules, these rely on the thoughtfulness, cooperation, and consideration of the entire University community.

REGISTER YOUR BIKE

All bicycles on campus must be registered. Registration helps RUPD identify the owners of lost, stolen, or impounded bicycles and disseminate safety information. Bicycle registration is free. Unregistered bicycles risk receiving a citation and removal by RUPD. For information on how to register your bicycle, please call the RUPD office at 713-348-6000.

OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD

Cyclists riding in the street are required to comply with the same motor vehicle traffic regulations as those for motor vehicles. Cyclists should obey traffic signs and always ride with the flow of traffic. At all stop signs, cyclists must stop and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians already at the intersection. RUPD will issue tickets to cyclists for violating the right-of-way at intersections Links to traffic laws relevant to cyclists can be found on The Center for Cycling Education Website.

YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS

Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks, in crosswalks, and around any stopped bus. Pedestrians are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, but it is the cyclist’s responsibility to yield to a pedestrian. Cyclists may not pass any bus that has stopped to pick up or discharge passengers. Rice has adopted a “Bell or Yell” program for cyclists to announce their approach when encountering pedestrians. Cyclists should be aware that pedestrians may be visually or hearing impaired, infirm, or campus visitors, and that they may make sudden, unpredictable movements. Accidental collisions may seriously injure pedestrians or other cyclists. A cyclist who strikes someone may be liable for personal injuries and property damage.

RIDING PROHIBITED IN COVERED WALKWAYS

Covered walkways are off-limits for bicycle riding.  Because covered walkways have blind corners and are in front of building entrances, cyclists must walk their bicycles in these areas of the campus. RUPD will issue citations for riding a bicycle in these prohibited areas. 

RIDING BICYCLES ON SIDEWALKS

Cyclists must use only approved bicycle routes and walk their bicycles on sidewalks, including when traveling to and from designated bicycle racks and approved bicycle routes. Approved bicycle routes are available on the Rice Website.

LOCK YOUR BICYCLES IN RACKS

Cyclists are expected to secure their bicycles in the bicycle racks. Rice has bicycle racks that are conveniently located throughout the campus. Bicycles secured to fences, signposts, stair railings, or other locations not designated as bicycle racks may be ticketed or impounded. Locks damaged in the removal will be the responsibility of the owner. Unsecured bicycles may be impounded for safekeeping.

ABANDONED BICYCLES WILL BE REMOVED

Bicycles left unattended for an extended period are presumed to be abandoned and, as such, will be removed by the RUPD. Suspected bicycles will be tagged with a removal end date. Abandoned bicycles will be held at the RUPD for 60 days before they may be disposed of unless prior notification has been made to RUPD. To retrieve an impounded bicycle, the owner must provide proof of ownership.

Take this quick test to continue with your registration: