NEWS RELEASE

October xx, 2014

Purdue police encourage bicycle safety with enforcement campaign

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University police are urging bicycle safety as they begin a new enforcement campaign.

The campaign is the result of a series of complaints near the university’s residence halls corridor and the police department’s own study, which found an alarming trend.

“Many cyclists are not stopping or even slowing down at these intersections and are crossing in front of moving vehicles that have the right-of-way,” Purdue police Capt. Eric Chin said.

For its study, the police department placed a plainclothes officer at four key intersections in the area to observe cyclists. The intersections were at the corners of Martin Jischke Drive and Third Street; Jischke and First Street; Russell and Third streets; and University and Third streets.

The officer observed 100 cyclists at each intersection and found that compliance with the law ranged from a low of 26 percent at the intersection of Jischke Drive and First Street to a high of 48 percent at Russell and Third streets. Most percentages of compliance were in the high 20s to low 30s.

“We have received complaints from pedestrians and motorists that cyclists are disobeying posted stop signs and nearly causing accidents,” said Chin.

“Pedestrians need to be mindful that even at a crosswalk, they must not step out into traffic until the vehicle yields to them,” he said. “We also ask motorists to be more cautious and aware of their surroundings as pedestrians and cyclists are entering the roadway with little or no warning. This is truly a collaborative effort between all members of the university community as we hold a stake in each other’s safety.”

Chin says bicyclists also must know campus guidelines and laws and be courteous. Cyclists should ride at a slow pace and not weave around people in crowded areas. Rather, they should walk the bike until they're clear of the crowd.

Cyclists are subject to the same laws as vehicles, which include not riding the wrong way on one-way streets in the absence of a contraflow lane or disregarding traffic lights and stop signs. Fines can be as high as $150 for certain infractions.

Bikes also should have the proper equipment, such as headlights and taillights, and cyclists are encouraged to wear helmets and visible clothing.

Bicycles may be ridden on designated drives and bike paths but not on sidewalks unless otherwise posted.

Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu