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Community and Ethical Standards

Bicycle Policy

Definition

S.C. 56-5-160

Every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, is a bicycle.

University Registration

Bicycles are not required to be registered in order to be operated or parked on the campus of Clemson University. Registration of bicycles, to include stenciling of numbers on the bicycle, for identification purposes is recommended by and available at the University Police Department.

Parking Areas

Bicycles may be parked in areas designated by signs or bicycle racks, in residence hall rooms if done in such a manner so as not to damage the room or the furnishing or to interfere with maintenance or custodial personnel as they carry out their duties and in other areas as designated by appropriate departments. Bicycles may not be parked, stored or left unattended in offices, stairwells, hallways, lobbies or other common areas, in front of or to the side of any entrance or exit of any building, sidewalk, motor vehicle parking spaces or in other areas as designated by appropriate departments.

Rights and Duties of Bicyclists Generally

S.C. 56-5-3420

"Every person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a motor vehicle." That is, any person riding a bicycle must follow the same rules of the road as a driver of a motor vehicle.

Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths

S.C. 56-5-3430

"Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction." This statute further states that riders must use a bicycle path if it is provided.

Manner of Riding Bicycles

S.C. 56-5-3440

A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto. No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

Clinging to Vehicles Prohibited

S.C. 56-5-3450

No person riding a bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach it or them or himself to any vehicle upon a roadway.

Carrying Articles

S.C. 56-5-3460

No person operating a bicycle may carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars.

Lamps and Reflectors on Bicycle

S.C. 56-5-3470

"Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear which shall be visible from all distances from fifty feet to three hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of the lawful beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.

Bell or Like Device on Bicycle

S.C. 56-5-3480

No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one hundred feet, except that a bicycle shall not be equipped with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle.

Violations

S.C. 56-5-3500

It is important to know that failure to comply with state laws governing the operations of bicycles is a misdemeanor. These regulations are applicable whenever a bicycle is in operation or upon any path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

Penalties (State Law and Parking Regulation Violations)

Violation: Parking in improper space or manner
Penalty: Impound bicycle
Fine: $40*

Violation: Bicycles left unattended in any area of housing or offices other than student's room
Penalty: Impound bicycle
Fine: $40*

Violation: Bicycles parked in such a manner as to constitute a hazard and bicycles left abandoned after 30 days
Penalty: Impound bicycle
Fine: $40*

Violation: Improper operation (any violation of state laws pertaining to the operation of bicycles.)
Penalty: State ticket by police officer
Fine: to be set by the Municipal Judge

Penalties for parking regulation violations are payable in person or by mail at Parking Services, G-01 University Union, Clemson, SC 29634-4014.

Penalties for violations of state laws are payable in person or by mail at the Municipal Court Office, G-01 University Union, Clemson, SC 29634-4014

Trials

Alleged violators of the state law have the same right to trial before the Municipal Judge as do operators of motor vehicles.

Contact: Parking Services, G-01 University Union, 864-656-2270.

Office of Community and Ethical Standards
Office of Community and Ethical Standards | 202 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634