Rules of the Road

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.

To learn more about campus bicycle regulations, see Section 5 of the University Traffic and Parking Regulations.

To learn more about the bicycle removal process, review the procedures or use the form on our Contact Us page.

Per the Grounds Department's "Guidelines for Vehicle and Large Equipment Events" memo issued on December 3, 2013, "nothing associated with an event (displays, motor vehicles, equipment, etc.) can block any marked bike path."

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 (Title 9, Article 21, Chapter 11).