Texas Tech boasts bicycle lanes and racks throughout most of campus. A number of students choose to bike to class from their residence halls, off-campus housing or commuter lots. University Parking Services encourages bicyclists to always wear a helmet when riding and use a U-lock to secure the frame of a bicycle to a bike rack when not in use.
Bicycle Registration
Free bicycle registration is available by logging into My Parking Account and selecting “Register Bicycle” in the Current Registered Vehicle(s) & Bicycle(s) area. Registering bicycles aids in the recovery of stolen bicycles and offers a way for University Parking Services to contact a bicycle owner if needed.
Rules and Regulations
Bicyclists are responsible for abiding by all laws of the State of Texas, ordinances of the City of Lubbock when riding on city streets and regulations of Texas Tech while on campus. Violators are subject to penalties and fines. Those not in compliance with Texas Tech bicycle regulations may be issued a violation notice and their bike may beimpounded. Owners can reclaim their bike once the fine is paid and the bike is registered.
Texas Tech Regulations
From Section VIII of the Texas Tech University Traffic and Parking Regulations:
- A. Bicycles must be parked in racks at all times. Use of shrubs, trees, or any architectural structures to secure bicycles is prohibited. Bicycles are not permitted in Texas Tech academic or administrative buildings. Any bicycle found in violation of this subsection may be impounded. The normal impoundment fee is $40.00. THE IMPOUNDMENT FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COST OF THE CITATION OR ANY APPLICABLE STORAGE FEES. (See Section IX)
- B. No person shall operate a bicycle or any other vehicle upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area except those vehicles expressly designed for the transport of persons with disabilities and bicycles operated by officers of the Texas Tech Police Department when necessary to fulfill their lawful duties. Bicycles operating on a shared-use pathway must yield right of way to pedestrians and operate at a speed and in a manner consistent with public safety.
- C. Bicycle registration is encouraged and conducted free of charge at the University Parking Services website or office.
- D. Any bicycle or locking device not removed from campus at the end of the Spring Semester may be considered abandoned and may be properly disposed of through Property Inventory. A bicycle is considered abandoned when it has not been operated for 30 days. Abandonment impounds are conducted once a year 30-45 days after the end of the spring semester.
State Regulations
From Section IX, Subsection E of the Texas Tech University Traffic and Parking Regulations:
- In the state of Texas, motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles are subject to the same rules and regulations as automobiles. Operators are subject to a moving violation, to be adjudicated in a court of competent jurisdiction as provided in the Texas Education Code, Article 51.208, for failing to comply with Texas Motor Vehicle Laws and these Regulations. Examples of the most common bicycle violations are:
- 1. Riding on sidewalks or other prohibited areas
- 2. Failing to stop at stop signs and red lights
- 3. Failing to yield right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks
- 4. Operating bicycle without proper lights and reflectors when required
- 5. Failing to drive on the right side of the roadway
- The maximum fine for violation of these STATE LAWS is $200.00.
Summary of Regulations
- Ride only on designated campus drives and bike paths.
- Do not ride on sidewalks unless otherwise posted.
- Park only in designated racks. Do not block entrances or wheelchair-accessible ramps or chain bikes to handrails or trees. Bikes in violation will be removed and owners held responsible for removal costs and fines.
- Bikes are not allowed in university buildings.
- Follow all traffic signs and laws.