Texas A&M bike permits identify stolen cycles in case of theft

From The Battalion

By Amber Jaura

Published: Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Throughout the year bike accidents thefts affect many students on campus. Neglecting bicycle traffic laws and safety measures aren't worth the trouble of putting yourself and others in danger.

Debbie Hoffman, associate director for Transportation Services, said a new bike program has been put in place this year to accommodate for bikes and improve safety.

"For decades there was no established bike program and no organization that agreed to take on the expense or responsibility associated with managing bike parking," Hoffman said. "There was no funding source for purchasing new bike racks, maintenance stations, or to pay staff for addressing any issues related to bike program management, such as planning educational programs, monitoring the campus to ensure bikes are parked in racks, communication of rules, or removing the more than 1,800 bikes abandoned at the end of the spring semester."

Hoffman said the ultimate goal of the program is for the University to earn the League of American Bicyclists' Bike Friendly University award.

Ron Steedly, Sustainable Transportation manager, said new style bike racks have been installed at the Wehner, Reed McDonald, Chemistry, Bizzell, James J. Cain and Halbouty buildings to provide additional parking for those who ride bicycles on campus. More bike racks have been ordered, to be installed later this school year.

Also new this semester, students are encouraged to register their bikes on the Transportations Services website. A Transportation Services dispatcher said the registration is voluntary and is in place so that university police officers and other officials can assist in locating lost or stolen bicycles.

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