HELMETS
- Every bike ride begins with putting on a helmet. Ensure a proper fit for best protection.
AVOID CRASHES
- There are two main types of crashes: the most common (falls), and the most serious (bike vs car). Prevention is the name of the game. Ride responsibly.
PREPARE BEFORE RIDING
- Ride a bike that works—it really doesn’t matter how well you ride if the brakes don’t work.
- Wear bright clothing, reflective gear, a white front light, red rear light and reflectors on bike
- Ride one per seat, with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn.
- Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
- Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
RIDE DEFENSIVELY – FOCUSED AND ALERT
- Be focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you. Anticipate what others may do.
- Ride with the flow, in the same direction as traffic.
- Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car.
- Assume the other person doesn’t see you.
BICYCLE THEFTS
- Most bicycles that are stolen were unlocked. To help deter theft and assist Campus Safety Services in returning a lost or stolen bicycle you should complete the BICYCLE REGISTRATION FORM.
BICYCLE REGISTRATIONS
- To help deter theft and assist Campus Safety Services in returning a lost or stolen bicycle you can complete a Bike registration. Bring your bicycle and ID to CSS during business hours or register the bike online.
LOCK YOUR BICYCLE
- Lock your bicycle at all times. U-bolt locks are recommended.
- You cannot lock your bicycle to trees, railings, lights, or sign posts.
- Be mindful to not lock your bicycle to another bicycle.
- Use a bicycle rack. Bicycle racks are located throughout campus.
- It is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to hinder building access or egress. Bicycles are never allowed to be locked to hand railings, parked in hallways, stairways, exit pathways, ramps, or anywhere that may impede entry or exit from a building. Bicycles that are found locked to these areas and have to be removed, will be at the owner’s expense.
ABANDONED BICYCLES
- Bicycles on Williams College property that appear to be abandoned will be taken into custody by Campus Safety and Security, logged, and stored for a period of one year, or until claimed by the owner. Unclaimed bicycles are donated to charitable organizations.
- Campus Safety Services will pick up bicycles deemed abandoned annually after Alumni weekend and periodically throughout the year.
- When you leave campus for the summer, bring your bicycle with you!
- There is no summer storage for bicycles on campus.