CUPD: Bicyclists can help keep campus safe for themselves and others

Published: October 2, 2012

Clemson University police are reminding bicyclists that they can help make the campus safer for themselves and others if they follow a few safety tips:

• Wear a helmet when riding.
• Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing
• Always check for traffic before entering an intersection or crossing a road.
• Don’t use mobile devices or iPods that might interfere with your ability to hear or see oncoming traffic. Pull over and get off your bike to use them.
• Yield to pedestrians.
• Give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

It’s also important to know that, according to South Carolina law:

• Bicyclists must observe the same laws as other vehicles, including obeying traffic lights and signs.
• Bicyclists should use hand signals when turning and stopping. Hand signals can be simple as pointing for 5 seconds in the intended direction of travel.
• At night, a bicycle should have a white front light and red reflector on the rear.
• Bicyclists should ride as close to the right side of the road as possible, except when changing lanes to turn, and should not ride more than two abreast on roads.
• Vehicle drivers should not drive in or block bicycle lanes and must yield to bicycles when crossing them.

Bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks on the Clemson campus and in the city’s downtown.

Moped riders must follow the same state laws and are required to have a rearview mirror, operable running lights and brake lights. The moped’s operating lights must be turned on at all times.

If you have questions, call 864-656-2222.