Bicycle Safety

Bicycling is one of the preferred modes of transportation on campus. With strained parking resources, rising gas prices and increased traffic, bicycling is one of the most economical modes of transportation available.

In order for bicycles to be operated safely, not only should the rules of the road be followed, but we also recommend the following:

  • Use of an approved helmet. This should be properly fitted and secured. Wear a helmet each time you ride your bike.
  • Proper maintenance of your bicycle. If you are not able to maintain your bicycle properly there are many bicycle shops in the city that provide yearly maintenance services which will check brakes, gears, and various other bike components.
  • Additional use of reflective clothing. If you intend to be riding at night ensure that you are wearing reflective clothing, in addition to a bicycle lighting system and reflectors on your bicycle.
  • Carry a cycle repair kit, or at a minimum a pump and tire repair kit with you.

Rules of the Road

Bicycles are vehicles, and as such there are rules of the road that must be followed when riding a bicycle to ensure safety not only for yourself, but pedestrians, motorists, and other bicyclists around you.

  • Bicycles must yield to pedestrians. While we often allow bicycles to share pathways with pedestrians on campus, pedestrians always have the right of way.
  • Bicycles on campus must be equipped with a working bell. Use the bell when you are approaching pedestrians. Common bike etiquette also includes shouting out on which side you will be passing the pedestrians such as "on your right!" or "on your left!".
  • Bicycles must also be equipped with a lighting system if used between ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. This includes a white-light headlight and a rear red reflector or light.
  • Bicycles must be conducted according to the rules and regulations for all motor vehicles on campus. This includes stopping at stop signs, travelling at a reasonable rate of speed for road conditions, and using hand signals to indicate turning or stopping intentions.

Securing Your Bike

For many students and staff at the University of Saskatchewan, their bicycle is their primary source of transportation throughout the year. We at Campus Safety recognize the value of every bicycle on campus and have many innovative programs to help ensure that your bike remains safe. However, we do need your help as well. To keep your bike as safe as possible while you are on campus the USSU and Campus Safety recommend the following:

  • An investment in a high quality lock system is an investment in the future of your bike. Use a good quality U-lock to lock your bike frame to the bike rack with a cable lock through the tires and frame for additional security. Cable locks by themselves are not secure. Most bike thefts reported this year have been cable or chain locked.
  • Write down your bike make, model and serial number and keep this information at home. In the event that your bike is stolen, we will require this information to try to recover it. Bike serial numbers are usually imprinted on the underside of the bike frame.
  • An unattended bike is easy prey for thieves. Never leave your bike overnight or over the weekend. Thieves will note which bikes have not been moved and will be happy to try to move them for you.
  • ALWAYS lock your bike. Even if you only have to run in for a minute.
  • Phone Campus Safety immediately if you notice anyone suspicious around the bike racks. It takes only a minute for a bike thief to sever a cable lock. Remember that all payphones have a direct dial button to Campus Safety.
If your bicycle is stolen while on campus, please contact Campus Safety as soon as possible at 966-5555. We will ask for information about your bike, such as make, model, serial number, color etc. We will initiate a report, and register your bike as stolen on a police computer system. If your bike is recovered at any time we will be able to contact you and return your bike.