The University has adopted the following regulations for the operation and parking of bicycles on campus. They have been adopted in accordance with IC 262 and IAC [ 681]4.

40.1 BICYCLE OPERATION REGULATIONS.

a. Definitions. For the purpose of these regulations the following definitions will be used.
(1) "Bicycle" means any wheeled vehicle which is not self-propelled and which is designed to be pedaled by the rider.

(2) "Pedestrian Areas" or "Slow Zones" include any walkway, sidewalk, crosswalk, plaza, patio, play court, parking facility, loading zone, and any other University facility that is intended primarily or partially for use by pedestrians. In pedestrian areas, individuals traveling on foot or in a wheelchair always have the right of way.

(3) "Reckless Operation" of a bicycle is defined as operating a bicycle in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

b. Operation of Bicycles on Public Streets. Bicycles operated on public streets are governed by the same regulations as motor vehicles and by the Iowa City ordinances regarding the operation of bicycles.

c. Operation of Bicycles in Pedestrian Areas (Slow Zones).

(1) When bicyclists are within five bicycle lengths of other individuals who are in a wheelchair, walking, bicycling, skating, or skateboarding, they must slow their speed to match the general pace of the pedestrian flow.

(2) Bicyclists must always maintain a minimum of one bicycle length separation from other individuals in a pedestrian area. If operators are unable to maintain a one bicycle length separation, they should proceed no faster than at the pace of a slow walk, or dismount and walk until a legal pass is possible.

(3) When passing, bicyclists should notify others on which side they intend to proceed.

(4) Bicyclists are responsible for the safe operation of their bicycle at all times. Any "reckless operation" of the bicycle is not permitted.

d. Operation of Bicycles In All Other Areas.

(1) Bicycles are prohibited from being ridden within University buildings.

(2) Bicycles are prohibited from being ridden on non-paved areas such as grass and planting beds, unless otherwise designated as a bicycle trail.
[top]

40.2 BICYCLE PARKING REGULATIONS.

a. Definitions. For the purpose of these regulations the following definitions will be used.
(1) "Handrail" is any railing intended to provide physical support to a pedestrian.

(2) "Immobilization" of a bicycle consists of restricting the bicycle's use by detaining it at the point of infraction with a University locking device.

(3) "Impoundment" of a bicycle consists of removing the owner's locking device, transporting the bicycle to a University facility, and detaining it with a University locking device.

(4) "Street Furniture" is any structure or accessory in a University pedestrian area or slow zone designed for the benefit of pedestrians. This includes, but is not limited to, benches, tables, lamp posts, and trash receptacles.

b. Registration.

(1) To register a bicycle with the University, a current registration form is to be filled out at the Parking and Transportation office. Required information includes current name of owner, address, Social Security University I.D. number, description of the bicycle, and the bicycle manufacturer's identification number. Proof of name and address is required. Once the registration form is completed, a decal will be issued.

(2) Bicycles may also be registered with the cities of Iowa City and Coralville. If these registrations are current and the decal is affixed to the bicycle, the University will accept them in lieu of a University registration.

(3) Placement of Registration Decal. The registration process is completed when the registration decal is permanently and visibly affixed to the down- or seat-tube on the bicycle.

(4) An official University bicycle registration decal is valid if the address and ownership given on the registration form is current. Change in ownership of a bicycle must be reported to the Parking and Transportation office. Proof of change in ownership is required.

c. Violations.

(1) Bicycles attached to, or rested against, trees, shrubs, handrails, handicapped parking meters, or limiting access to, or use of, any University facility may be impounded and/or the owners fined.

(2) Bicycles parked inside a University building which is not designated for bicycle parking may be impounded and/or the owners fined.

(3) Bicycles bearing proper registration decals which are attached to, or rested against, street furniture may be ticketed or immobilized and the owners fined. If the bicycles interfere with the use of the furniture, they may be impounded.

(4) Bicycles not bearing proper registration decals which are attached to, or rested against, street furniture may be immobilized and the owners fined. If the bicycles interfere with the use of the furniture, they may be impounded.

(5) Bicycles considered abandoned may be labeled for impending impoundment by placing impoundment tags on the bicycles. If the bicycles display the proper registration decals, an attempt will be made to contact the owners to remove the bicycles. If the bicycles do not display the proper registration decals, the owners have seven days to contact the Parking and Transportation office from the time the bicycles are tagged until the bicycles may be impounded.

d. Fines and Fees.
(1) Fines and fees may be assessed against the owner, operator, or registrant of the bicycle involved in each violation and shall be billed through the University's Business Office.

(2) The person in whose name the bicycle is registered with the University shall be responsible for all violations attached to the bicycle and is thus subject to any and all fines and fees resulting from these violations.

(3) Violations of the regulations may also be enforced by the immobilization and/or impoundment of a bicycle.

(4) Schedule of Fines and Fees.

(a) The fine for the first five parking violations in a year will be $5 each. All subsequent violations will be $10 each. Bicycles accumulating ten or more violations in a year will be subject to impoundment at the time of each additional infraction. Bicycles will continue to be subject to impoundment until the end of the year if found in violation. Violations are cumulative for the year beginning on August 1 and continuing through July 31.

(b) The fee for immobilization will be $10 for each incident.

(c) The fee for impoundment will be $25 for each incident. Additional storage costs will accrue at $1 per day after the first day of impoundment.

(d) The fine for cutting, removing, or damaging a University of Iowa locking device will be $50.

e. Immobilization.
(1) Bicycles bearing proper registration decals that have been immobilized may be claimed by proving ownership, paying the immobilization fees, and any fines.

(2) Bicycles not bearing proper registration decals that have been immobilized may be claimed by proving ownership, registering the bicycle under a valid name and address, and by paying the appropriate fines and immobilization fees. Immobilization fees for first-time offenders may be waived after immobilized bicycles have been registered.

(3) Immobilized bicycles not reclaimed after two working days may be impounded.

f. Impoundment.

(1) Bicycles bearing proper registration decals that have been impounded may be claimed by proving ownership, paying the impoundment fees, and any fines.

(2) Bicycles not bearing proper registration decals that have been impounded may be claimed by proving ownership, registering the bicycles under a valid name and address, and by paying the appropriate fines and impoundment fees. Impoundment fees for first-time offenders may be waived after impounded bicycles have been registered.

(3) All impounded bicycles will be held for 60 days, during which time they may be claimed by the owners upon payment of all outstanding fines and charges. After 60 days, all unclaimed impounded bicycles will be deemed abandoned property and sold pursuant to Iowa law, and the proceeds applied to the costs of impoundment, storage, and sale. The balance, if any, shall be sent to the owner.

(4) The University will not pay for locking devices damaged or destroyed during impoundment.

g. Appeals. Violations may be appealed by first paying the fines and fees, and filing a written appeal with the Parking and Transportation office.
[top]