Call 814-343-9860

today for a free consultation

Blog

Penn State introduces new bicycle safety program

While Penn State is a cycling-friendly campus, accidents can and have happened, some of them leaving both pedestrians and cyclists seriously injured. Along with campus slip-and-fall injuries, incidents that involve cyclists may lead to serious harm that might have long-lasting physical effects on those who experience them.

Some cyclists on campus may not realize their responsibilities while on the road. To combat this issue, Penn State recently introduced a new campus cycling safety program to lower the risk.

A cooperative program

Penn State news reports that this new initiative, known as the Bicycle Education and Enforcement Program, is a cooperative plan between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the campus police and public safety program. Those who created BEEP hope to reduce cycling accidents by increasing awareness of bike laws on campus and making cyclists responsible for following campus traffic regulations, many of which apply to vehicles and bicyclists.

New fines for cycling offenders

Cyclists on the Penn State campus may find themselves subject to fines if they violate the new BEEP laws, which include a failure to use bike lights, stop at designated stop signs and offer pedestrians the right of way. First-time offenders may have the opportunity to negate their ticket, as proponents of the program believe that education about cycling laws on campus may have more effect than simply handing out fines, which could cost students as much as $50.

Laws target forbidden vehicles

Students who use illegal vehicles on campus, such as motorized bikes and electric scooters, are also subject to fines under the new cycling laws. It is unknown whether BEEP will add any vehicles to this list in the future.