Bicycle Safety

Bicycling can be a great mode of transportation in River Falls for students living off campus.  It's imperative as a cyclist to realize you are considered a vehicle on Wisconsin roadways and are therefore expected to follow all traffic laws.

The general rules below can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's website along with tips for bicycling safely and avoiding theft.

• Ride at least three feet from the curb or parked vehicles or debris in the curb area and in a straight line.  Don't swerve in and out around parked vehicles.
• Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Sidewalk riding (for adults) can be more dangerous than on the road, obeying traffic laws.  It is also illegal, unless the community has passed ordinances specifically permitted sidewalk riding.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Be predictable!  Let other users know where you intend to go and maintain an understood course.
• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Use hand signals when turning and stopping.
• Make sure you are visible to motorists.  Wear brightly colored clothing during daylight hours and use reflectors and front/rear lights during nighttime hours.
• Use "U" locks or "O" locks rather than cable locks.
• If your bike has quick-release wheels, lock the wheels and the frame to the bike rack.
  
• Do not use your bike lock low to the ground where a thief can use leverage to break the lock.
• Engrave the bicycle on a non-removable part with an identifier or your name to deter thieves.
• Take pictures of your bike and record the serial number, make, and model.
• Register your bike with the University Police Department for FREE!  It's a great way to potentially recover your bike if it's found after being stolen.  Use this link to get more information.