Purpose
The following rules and regulations for bicycles, mopeds, skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, roller skates and electric personal assistive mobility devices apply to all persons operating any such mode of transportation on University property.
Definitions
Bicycle – a two-wheeled pedal cycle, including electronic “E” bikes.
Micromobility device – refers to electric scooters, skateboards, uni-wheels, kick scooters and similar wheeled vehicles. This does not include wheelchairs and any other mobility aids.
Motor Driven Device (e-scooters, e-boards, etc.) – devices propelled by internal combustion, battery, or other mechanical or electro-mechanical means; and designed to transport one or more persons and do not meet DC Vehicle Code requirements as a “motor vehicle” to be operated on a roadway, excludes Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMDs) and E-bikes.
Pedal cycle – unicycles, bicycles, and tricycles. Vehicles that are designed to be propelled by human power via operable pedals.
Roadway – Roads open to the use of the public for vehicular travel on campus grounds (a.k.a. public highway).
Scooter – a narrow platform mounted on tandem wheels with a handle to steer by turning the front wheel propelled solely by human power.
Shared Use Path – Any campus pathway not directly adjacent to a roadway.
Sidewalk – A paved pathway running directly along and adjacent to a roadway.
Skate – a shoe, or attachment for show, with a set of wheels attached for gliding movement.
Skateboard – a board of any length (including long boards and electric powered boards) mounted on roller skate-type wheels.
Non-Electric Pedal Cycles, Bicycles & Scooters
Bicycle Operation
All bicycles must be operated according to the provisions of the District of Columbia Vehicle Code as it pertains to bicycles, as well as to the rules and regulations contained in this policy. Washington, DC (DDOT) Law indicates that bicycles must be operated on the road and follow all traffic laws. This includes, but is not limited to, stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic signals, riding in the direction of traffic, the prohibited wearing of headsets or earplugs in both ears, and yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians.
Cyclists should ride in bike lanes, on designated bike paths, or on the road. Follow all pavement markings and signs to understand where you can ride. If it is necessary to access a destination on a bicycle via sidewalk, dismount your bicycle and walk. Always yield to pedestrians. Stick to low-traffic and low-speed areas and use bike lanes when possible. Exercise caution if it is necessary to cross or briefly travel on a busy road.
When riding in roadways, note that many streets on campus have shared-lane markings. Bicyclists are allowed to use the whole lane and cars are required to give at least 3 feet of space when passing. Cyclists must also obey traffic control signs, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and use hand signals to indicate direction.
Bicycle Registration
Any person bringing a bicycle on any campus of the University should register the bicycle and obtain a permit. GUPD offers bicycle registration for students, faculty, and staff. While bicycle registration is not required, it is highly recommended as it can assist with bicycle recovery in case of theft or confiscation. Registering your bike with the university is free, and GUPD will also register your bike with the National Bicycle Registry for $10.
Scooter, Skateboard, In-Line Skates/Roller Skate Regulations
Persons may coast or ride upon human powered roller skates, in-line skates, and scooters on sidewalks provided they yield the right-of-way to pedestrians on foot and follow traffic rules at intersections.
Electric & Motor Driven Devices
E-Scooters And E-Bikes May Not Be Operated
- On sidewalks or in crosswalks. Stick to low-traffic and low-speed areas and use bike lanes where possible. Exercise caution if it is necessary to cross or briefly travel on a busy road. If a sidewalk or crosswalk must be used to reach your destination, step off your e-scooter or e-bike and walk. Pedestrians are unpredictable and vulnerable on sidewalks, and may not be able to anticipate an oncoming e-scooter or e-bike.
- Within campus parking garages. Garage structural elements can reduce driver visibility, making it a challenge for motorists to anticipate oncoming e-scooters or e-bikes.
- While the user is impaired. DC prohibits operation of any motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- In an unsafe manner. This includes wearing earbuds or headphones while riding, acrobatic riding, distracted riding or more than one rider per vehicle.
E-scooters may not be brought onto Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS) buses unless they are foldable. Like standard bicycles, e-bikes can be secured on GUTS bus front racks.
Penalties
Violations of these regulations may subject the violator to monetary and possible disciplinary penalties.
NOTE: Mopeds, as motor vehicles, are subject to enforcement and penalties
Parking Regulations & Restrictions
Regulations
All e-scooters and e-bikes must be parked in designated e-scooter/e-bike parking areas, bike racks or covered bike parking areas. Improperly parked personal e-scooters or e-bikes will be subject to impoundment by University personnel. Relocation, impound, and/or storage fees may apply. All personal e-bikes and e- scooters will be turned over to the University Fire Marshal of the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) for storage. Go to the interactive map, select transportation and then select bike parking for your nearest bike rack.
For more information on parking e-scooters and e-bikes in residence halls and buildings please check the EH&S website.
Restrictions
Restricted Parking Areas that bicycles, scooters, and all personal conveyances shall be parked in accordance with federal, state, and local fire and safety regulations. Failure to comply with any and all of these restrictions may result in the impoundment of the device and a fine. Bicycles, scooters and all motorized conveyances shall not be parked or stored:
- in any University building (e.g. offices, residence halls, classrooms, or parking structures without a bicycle storage facility;)
- against or fastened to any tree, plant, bush, or foliage;
- against or fastened to any water, steam or gas pipe, fitting, electrical fixture, fence or construction fencing, sign post, railing, public seating fixture, or emergency safety device;
- upon or attached to any ingress/egress ramp, stairway or stairwell railing or otherwise fastened to or blocking any exit/entrance to any University building;
- in any locked, controlled entry enclosure if access has not been authorized by Parking and Transportation Services; or
- in any other area where parking is specifically prohibited by these regulations or by signs;
- at bike racks that are already at capacity.
If bike racks are at capacity, please move to the nearest empty rack or rack that has space. Bike rack users must be able to utilize the bike rack without impeding other bikes or scooters from utilizing a rack.
Bicycle, e-bicycle, and e-scooter owners will have their device confiscated immediately if they are parked in a manner that blocks access to handrails, stairways, ramps, benches, building entrances and exits, or sidewalk curb cuts. If you have a lock on the device, it will be cut off at the owner’s cost. Reports of ADA parking violations can come from any member of the GU community and GUPD will issue the violation to all identifiable micromobility vehicles that are deemed to be violating ADA regulations.
Impounded, Lost Or Stolen Bikes Or E-Scooters
Micromobility devices that are not parked at bike racks or found inside a building may be impounded immediately for improper parking. Abandoned devices left on racks surrounding residence halls are removed every summer. Bike racks near academic buildings are checked for abandoned devices on an ongoing basis. Devices that appear abandoned (excessive rust, flat tires, missing components) will receive a warning tag. This tag indicates that the device must be moved before a set date, usually four weeks from the placement of the tag. If the device is not moved, it will be impounded. All impounded bikes and scooters are held for two (2) weeks and then donated. If you have locked your bike or scooter to any of the aforementioned spaces or items, the lock will be cut off. The university assumes no responsibility for cut locks of devices or equipment parked illegally.
Reclaiming A Bike
To reclaim your bike or scooter, you must come to the OTM office located in Kennedy Hall on the Mezzanine level between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Summer hours may differ. OTM currently has donated many bicycles that have been lost, abandoned or impounded. Many of these bikes are similar models and colors and therefore we are unable to identify your bicycle without detailed information and lack the resources and time to look for it. If you think your bicycle has been confiscated, please check with GUPD or EH&S.
Capitol Bikeshare/Lime/Veo/Spin
All rental personal mobility conveyances are subject to ALL University rules and policies. If these devices are confiscated, a fine may be imposed before it is returned to the rental company.
Geo-tagged areas have been established for all rental scooters and e-bikes. Users must return the device to this designated area. You will not be able to end a Capitol Bikeshare/Lime/Spin/Veo e-scooter or e-bike trip outside of these areas. Riders may incur fees until the vehicle is parked properly.
The University assumes no responsibility for the care and protection of any bicycle or non-motorized device or its contents at anytime the vehicle is on University property; nor shall the University be held liable for damages to bicycles or locks of impounded or stored bicycles.