Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 2/27/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Kris Anderson

According to the University Police Department, students may notice trees, light poles and railings being used for bicycle racks instead of those installed by campus officials.

UPD Sgt. John Laws said students locking bikes to anything other than a bicycle rack or within the enclosed bike cages on campus are subject to a $10 processing fee and having their bicycle impounded by UPD.

An impounded bicycle is locked with a kryptonite U-lock by UPD as well as a notification that their bike will be released after a report has been filed and the processing fee paid, Laws said.

"I'm aware of the rules but this is more convenient for me," said Richard Keady, a faculty member in the Humanities department as he locked his bike to a tree outside Clark Hall. He said he is aware of an enclosed bike cage behind Clark Hall but has yet to get a key for it.

Pam Bishop, majoring in fine arts, said she does not use the cages either because "they're not close to the locations I want to be. I'll lock my bike to other structures. I haven't locked it to a tree yet, but as long as it's not in anyone's way. … I actually just took it off something over at Duncan Hall."

Sarah Hughes, a senior majoring in interior design, is concerned about the design of some racks because her bike, a beach cruiser, doesn't fit.

"I'm not comfortable locking my bike to a tree or pole because I'd rather lock it to a rack, but it doesn't fit the slots and the cages are too far and few in between. But if you're in a hurry it's just quicker … a lot of bikes don't fit the racks so they lock it to the top," Hughes said, referring to the top bar of the bicycle rack.

Laws advises students against locking their bikes to objects not designed to secure a bicycle.

"A bike was stolen once from around a small tree because the person was able to lift the bike above the tree and ride off with it, Laws said. "That's what the racks and cages are designed for, to prevent them from being stolen."

On average, 50 to 100 bikes are stolen each semester from campus, while only one has been taken from the five bike cages located around campus, Laws said.

When asked whether she will park her bike elsewhere, Bishop said "No, absolutely not, I actually don't even think its necessary to lock it but I do anyways … I've been doing this for over a year and haven't had any problems."

Continued...

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