Riding on Campus
Purdue University is a busy place! Everyone has somewhere to be and is rushing to get there. Whether by bike, electric or motor powered vehicle (EMPV), on foot, in a car, or in a bus, it is important to follow university regulations and recommendations to ensure everyone can get where they need to go efficiently and safely.
The following are the most important things to know about getting around campus:
- Protect yourself with a helmet when riding a bike or EMPV.
- You must stop at stop signs and stop lights.
- Do not wear two headphones or earbuds while operating any vehicle or device.
- Sidewalks are only for walking.
- Your bicycle or EMPV must have lights on the front and rear after dusk.
- Bike lanes and paths are only for riding.
- The speed limit on all bike paths, cycle tracks and multi-use paths is 15 mph.
- Register your bicycle or EMPV
- Pay attention to signage including those indicating dismount zones.
To learn more about campus bicycle/EMPV regulations, see Section 5 of the University Traffic and Parking Regulations.
Bicycle Parking
Bicycles and EMPVs should be parked only in designated parking areas. Improperly parked bicycles and EMPVs (i.e., bikes/EMPVs parked anywhere other than a bicycle rack) are subject to removal without warning.
If you suspect your bicycle or EMPV has been removed by Parking Facilities, email parking@purdue.edu with the last known location of your bicycle or EMPV as well as the last date and time you saw it.
Bicycle signals
Left turn: left arm extended straight out to side horizontally
Right turn: left arm bent at elbow and held up in an "L" shape or alternately, right arm extended straight out to the side horizontally
Stop or slow down: left arm bent at elbow and held upside down in an "L" shape
Bicycle removals and retrievals
Removal procedure
Purdue Transportation is responsible for removing all parked bicycles and EMPVs that are damaged (e.g., appear not to be roadworthy) or those that have been abandoned or parked improperly on the academic campus. Bicycle and EMPV parking in the academic campus area is intended for short-term use only, and bikes and EMPVs must be parked in racks. Review additional information about removal procedures. To report a bicycle or EMPV that you feel needs removed, please email parking@purdue.edu with a detailed description or photo of the device, as well as the location of the device needing removed.
How to retrieve your bicycle
Impounded bicycles and EMPVs may be retrieved during their 60-day storage period by contacting Parking Facilities at parking@purdue.edu. A fee for handling and storage of impounded bicycles and EMPVs may be assessed at the time of retrieval. To retrieve your bicycle or EMPV, you must have a government-issued or Purdue ID, and at least two of the following: the bike's serial number, a receipt of the bike purchase, photos of you with the bike, a description of any unique features of the bike, or your “529 Garage” registration information.
Community information
Looking for route information to get somewhere off campus? Contact Parking Facilities via the Contact Us page on this website to schedule a tour or get information.
When cycling off campus and within the boundaries of the City of West Lafayette, Chapter 46 of the West Lafayette, Indiana, Code of Ordinances must be obeyed.
When cycling off campus and within the boundaries of the City of Lafayette, Chapter 7.07 of the Lafayette, Indiana, Code of Ordinances must be obeyed.
All Indiana laws and regulations concerning bicycles are available on the State of Indiana — Indiana Code webpage. Use the drop-down menus to find Title 9, Article 21 and then Chapter 11.
Looking for more information regarding cycling in the Greater Lafayette area? You can visit the Wabash River Cycle Club.
