There’s a lot of college students out there – nearly 20 million in fact.  Not all of us have cars which has the potential to be problematic. After all, there’s plenty to do in and around campus. For those of us that lack automobiles, bikes are a saving grace, a vehicle that gives us power to zip around campus with great efficiency. However, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility.
Basic Campus Bike Tips
If you’re using a bike to tool around campus, there are a few guidelines you should always be mindful of before you ride to your 8 AM class (provided you wake up in time). First and foremost, you need to get familiar with the campus biking rules. Don’t ever think you’re “above the law” just because you’re using your feet to pedal rather than walk. Get to know campus guidelines, from places to park to zones where you need to hop off your cycle and walk through foot traffic.
Also, don’t assume that you can slack on safety just because you’re in a university setting. Thievery can happen anywhere, even in a campus setting, so don’t assume your bike is safe just because you trust everyone in your dorm room. Locking your bike up is especially important when you take it to class, where there will be more foot traffic and unfamiliar people.
Safety First
Even if you’re just planning to ride your bike to class, this doesn’t mean that you get to slack off on basic safety stuff. For example, don’t ever hop on your cycle without first putting on your helmet. You may not feel hip wearing a helmet to class, but consider the alternative, one that involves a crash, a sharp blow to an unprotected head, and a concussion or even worse brain damage.
Also, don’t always assume your bike is in tip-top shape every time you hop onto its seat. Be sure to check and maintain your cycle on a routine basis, and if something feels even the slightest bit off, don’t ignore said feeling. Also, make sure you keep your bike as clean as possible, as any dirt or grime you allow your bike to accumulate could easily transfer to your clothing.
As you can see, there’s not much you need to do to enjoy on-campus biking. It’s an efficient if not healthy way you can zip around campus. However, it’s up to you to make it a lawful, safe way.