Section 478-118-290. Bicycle parking and traffic rules.

(1) The primary aim of the bicycle control program is safety. This aim will be achieved by keeping bicycles out of buildings, away from building exits, and parking them off paths and sidewalks.

(2) Bicycles may be ridden any place where vehicles are permitted. They may be ridden on most sidewalks, though pedestrians always have the right of way. It shall be a violation of this section for any bicycle rider to fail to yield to pedestrians, or to ride a bicycle on paths, sidewalks, or streets where signs indicate such is prohibited. An audible signal or warning must be given by the bicyclist whenever there is any appreciable risk of injury to a pedestrian not otherwise aware of the presence of the bicycle.

(3) Bicycles operated on paths, sidewalks, and roadways shall be subject to all relevant state statutes regulating bicycle use. Violation of those statutes shall be considered a violation of this section.

(4) Bicycles shall be operated in a safe manner at all times on paths, sidewalks, and roadways. Riding at speeds too fast for conditions, weaving in and out of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or similar unsafe actions shall be considered "negligent riding." Negligent riding shall be a violation of this section.

(5) Bicycles shall be parked only in bicycle racks. All bicycle owners are encouraged to secure their bicycles with a secure lock. At no time shall a bicycle be parked in a building, except where bicycle storage rooms are provided, near a building exit, on a path or sidewalk, in planted areas nor chained or otherwise secured to trees, lamp standards, railings, or sign posts.

(6) Moving a bicycle into any unauthorized area such as a building or construction zone is prohibited.

(7) Bicycle racks in campus areas are for parking and shall not be used for overnight storage.

(8) Impoundment for illegal parking.

(a) Bicycles parked in violation of subsections (5), (6), and (7) of this section will be subject to seizure and impoundment by the university.

(b) A bicycle abandoned or parked on university land for fourteen consecutive days or longer is presumed abandoned and is subject to seizure and impoundment by the university. A bicycle will not be considered abandoned when the owner/operator is unable to remove it and so notifies the campus safety and security office. A bicycle that has been obviously stripped or vandalized may be immediately impounded.

(c) Impounded bicycles will be stored by the campus safety and security office. Bicycles will be released at specified times and upon presentation of proof of ownership and payment of any fine that has been imposed. Owners of impounded bicycles, if identifiable, will be notified as soon as reasonably possible after impoundment and must reclaim their bicycle within fifteen consecutive days. Bicycles unclaimed after sixty consecutive days will be subject to disposal, including sale at public auction, in accordance with university property disposal rules.

(d) The university and its officers, agents, and employees shall not be liable for loss or damage of any kind resulting from impoundment, storage, or sale of any item under this section.

(e) Impoundment or sale of any bicycle under this section shall not substitute for, nor release any person from liability for, damage to persons or property caused by the use of a bicycle.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.10.560 and 28B.20.130. WSR 05-08-017, § 478-118-290, filed 3/28/05, effective 4/28/05.]

RCW 28B.10.560 and 28B.20.130. WSR 05-08-017, § 478-118-290, filed 3/28/05, effective 4/28/05.