Bicycle Safety/Registration

Biking on and around Campus

Lesley University encourages alternative methods of transportation, so to make biking on and around campus more safe and secure, we encourage you to follow these common safety tips and suggestions to help prevent and reduce accidents and thefts.  

In addition, a bicycle registered with the Department of Public Safety has a better chance of being returned to you if it becomes lost or stolen. Please download, and complete the registration form [pdf]and submit it to the Department of Public Safety located at 47 Oxford Street, Cambridge (Quad Campus). Forms may also be obtained at the Public Safety Office.  

If your bicycle has been lost or stolen, please report the incident to Public Safety immediately. Remember to always properly lock your bicycle when leaving it. To make spaces more convenient the University is expanding the amount of bike parking spaces throughout the Quad Campus, Porter Campus, Brattle Campus, and AIB.

Bike Racks  are located throughout the campus at the following locations:

Quad Campus:

• Front of Doble House
• Front of Public Safety
• Lot B
• Northwest Corner or 27 Mellen 
• Rear of 1 Wendell Hall

Porter Campus/University Hall:

• Adjacent to the rear doors

Brattle Campus:

• Adjacent to Lawrence Hall
• Rear of Wright Hall
• Secure Bike Shed adjacent to Kidder House

AIB:

• Front of 700 Beacon Street
• Front of 601 Newbury Street

Safety Tips

Please remember to use common safety tips while operating a bicycle on and around campus. 

• Follow the Rules of the Road. Remember to obey all traffic signs and signals like other vehicles would do.
• Never ride against traffic- it's illegal and dangerous. Motorist aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the lefts side of the roadway. Ride on the right side, with the traffic. 
• Remember to use hand signals when initiating a turn. Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signals serve as a matter of law, of courtesy and self-protection.
• Ride in a straight line. Whenever possible, ride in a straight line, to the right of traffic, approximately a car-door-width away from parked vehicles. 
• Don't weave between parking vehicles. Do not ride over to the curb between parked vehicles, unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you move back into traffic.
• Follow lane markings. Do not turn left from the right lane. Do not go straight in a lane marked right turn only.
• Do not pass on the right. Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.
• Go slow on shared paths. Yield to pedestrians, and give an audible warning when you pass. Do not ride on sidewalks where prohibited  

Remember to Be Alert while riding. Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.

• Watch for cars pulling out. Make eye contact with drivers. Assume they don't see you until you are sure they do.
• Scan the road behind you. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors.
• Avoid road hazards. Watch for sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily spots, gravel, ice and remember to cross railroad tracks at right angles.
• Keep both hands ready to brake. 

Remember to be equipped- You'll ride more easily and safely.

• Keep the bike in good repair. Adjust your bike to fit you, and keep it working properly. Check the brakes, chains and tires regularly. 

• Dress for Safety. Wear a helmet and avoid clothing that might get caught in the moving parts of your bike. Wear bright or reflective clothing at night.
• Use lights at night or when visibility is poor. The law requires a strong headlight and rear reflector or tail light at night.
• Use a pack or rack to carry things. Saddlebags, racks, baskets, and backpacks are all good ways to carry packages, freeing your hands for safe riding. 
• Always wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet. This reduces the potential for head injury by 85%.

For further information regarding rules, regulations and laws pertaining to bicycle use in the City of Cambridge please refer to http://www.cambridgema.gov/CPD/CommRes/bicycles.cfm?pv=Yes#laws