Bicycles

In North Carolina, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. As such, N.C. traffic laws require bicyclists to:

• Ride on the right in the same direction as other traffic
• Obey all traffic signs and signals
• Use hand signals to communicate intended movements
• Equip their bicycles with a front lamp visible from 300 feet and a tail light or rear reflector that is visible from a distance of 200 feet when riding in low light conditions
• Yield to pedestrians
• Be subject to DWI and careless and reckless driving laws

Bikes racks are available on campus, so if you have a bicycle on campus, only lock it to a bike rack. Please help us "end the cycle" of bicycles being locked to handrails, light poles, trees, signs, benches, etc. If you don't see one available, look for one - most buildings have bike racks located on the side entrances and exits.

If your bike is locked to a handrail, call box, or if it is blocking any pedestrian access, the bicycle could be impounded without warning.

Bicycles or mopeds may not be chained or otherwise secured to handrails or traffic signs, or placed in any manner which may create a safety hazard by obstructing passageways, stairs, entrances or exits.

Bicycles impeding pedestrian traffic, including access for the disabled, may be impounded without prior notification and an administrative fee of $25 will be charged.

UNCW has the authority to use whatever means necessary to impound illegally parked bicycles; locks and chains are removed at the owner's expense. The university will not be held liable for bikes or securing devices (locks) that are damaged during impoundment. Proof of ownership is required to claim impounded bicycles. Unclaimed bicycles are disposed of in accordance with the N.C. General Statutes.

Bicycles are removed across campus periodically and systematically to make sure there is ample space for current students and their bicycles.

Warning tags are placed on bicycles that will be removed. The warning tag will show the earliest date that the bike will be removed.

Over summer break the residential areas are cleared of all bikes. If a bike is remaining on campus AND is still in use, the owner will need to have their bike properly registered and display the proper summer registration tag. This will prevent the bike from being removed during the summer removal process. Summer registration tags can be obtained from alternative transportation at the HUB.

Wheel It or Deal It

If you find that you no longer use your bicycle, please contact us to voluntarily surrender it. We will donate the bike in our next donation process. The voluntary surrender can be initiated by email.