Every person riding a bicycle upon a street or highway has all the rights and is subject to all the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, including the provisions of law dealing with driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application ( California Vehicle Code 21200).
Ride with Caution!
Be visible! California Vehicle Code 21201 states that every bicycle operated upon any highway during darkness shall be equipped with the following:
1. A lamp emitting a white light which illuminates the highway and is visible from a distance of 300 feet to the front and the sides of the bicycle. A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle, may be used in place of a lamp attached to the bike.
2. A red reflector mounted on the rear of the bicycle and visible from 500 feet to the rear of the bicycle.
3. A white or yellow reflector mounted on each pedal visible from 200 feet to the front and rear of the bicycle and a white or red reflector on each side to the of the center of the bicycle, except bicycles which are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with side reflectors. All reflectorized tires must meet DMV requirements.
Each year in California, over one hundred people are killed and thousands more are injured in bicycle collisions. We can make bicycling safer for all by observing the following safety tips:
- Although the law only requires minors to wear a helmet, be safe and protect yourself by always wearing a helmet.
- Obey all traffic laws. You must stop at intersections; pedestrians have the right of way.
- Never carry another person on your bicycle.
- Pay attention to your surroundings; warn pedestrians when you are passing them.
- Take extra care when passing parking lot exits or driving through parking lots.
- Give proper hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Before leaving a lane, give a hand signal. Leave the lane only when safe to do so.
Bicycle Theft Prevention
Bicycle theft is an ongoing problem at the University. Most bicycle thefts, however, can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. You can as well, substantially increase the chances of recovering your bicycle, should it be stolen.
List of bicycle theft prevention "Do's & Don'ts"
DO:
- Register your bicycle with CSUN's Bicycle Registration Program and keep a copy of your bicycle's serial number. Where to look for your Bicycle Serial Number
- Use a quality, hardened, "U" type lock, securing the main (largest) portion of the frame and the front tire.
- Secure your bicycle to a designated bicycle rack. (University regulations do not allow bicycles in campus buildings or securing your bicycle to trees, sign posts, hand railings, etc.)
- Record the make, model, and serial number of your bicycle and keep it in a safe place.
- Engrave your driver license number on the frame of your bicycle.
- If you believe your bicycle was stolen on campus report it to the University Police Department as soon as possible!
- Report suspicious persons observed near the bicycle racks to university police by calling (818) 677-2111.
DON'T:
- Leave your unlocked bicycle unattended "Just for a minute."
- Use a cable or chain lock, no matter how large, as they are easily defeated with bolt cutters.
- Secure your bicycle to a chain link fence, or other objects significantly weaker in strength, than your lock.
Bicycle Registration Program
The bicycle registration program is a FREE service available to all CSUN students, faculty and staff.
Complete and print the form below to bring with you to the department of police services. You will aslo need to bring a photo id and the bicycle to be registered.
You can also fill out the form in person.
To ensure our staff is available to assist you, please call ahead to schedule an appointment:
(818) 677-5820
For more information on bicycle security, safety and the registration program, see The Smart Route to Bicycle Safety.