Winthrop University Police Department

Bicycle Operation and Parking

Bicycle Operation

  • Bicycles may be operated on the streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and campus grounds.

  • University Police officers on bicycles are exempt from excessive speed restrictions when responding to emergencies so long as the police officer utilizes a bell, whistle or other audible warning device when approaching pedestrians.

  • Whenever a bicycle is operated on a sidewalk, the operator must yield to all pedestrians and wheelchairs. Excessive speed or reckless operation of a bicycle on a sidewalk shall constitute a violation of these rules.

  • Whenever a bicycle is operated on a street, the operator must follow all rules of the road for motor vehicles.

Bicycle Parking Enforcement and Impoundment

A bicycle warning or immobilization notice will be issued for parking a bicycle in a non-parking area. The Winthrop University Police Department may immobilize illegally parked bicycles by applying a special Winthrop University Police Department lock. Once the bicycle has been immobilized, the owner has 24 hours to come to the Winthrop Police Department with the citation and claim the bicycle. When the owner has notified the Winthrop University Police Department that their bicycle has been immobilized, a $25.00 administrative fee will be assessed to the owners university account and the Winthrop University Police Department lock will be removed and the bicycle will be returned to the owner.

After 24 hours, the bicycle will be removed, at no liability to the university or its agents, and impounded until the owner reports to the Winthrop University Police Department to claim the bicycle.

Bicycle Parking on Campus

  • A bicycle may not be parked or left in any manner that blocks a sidewalk, stairway, doorway or accessible ramp.

  • Bicycles can only be secured in approved bicycle racks.

  • Bicycles may not be secured to any light pole, tree, bench, handrail, etc.