Bicycle Security & Safety

Security Tips

We hope you follow the advice of this brochure by being safe on the road, securing your bicycle in a designated area and taking removables with you.

There are currently three places designated as bicycle storage areas for the Tulane University Health Sciences Center:

Tulane University Medical School Garage Entrance
It is located at the back of the medical school where the 300 block of South Liberty Street meets Gravier Street. Upon entering the garage you will find a bicycle storage room to the right of the gate arm, and before the elevator and steps. Entrance is gained by a key that is distributed by TUHSC Parking Services to Tulane affiliated persons after a deposit is paid. See the reverse side for contact information. You must supply your own lock to attach your bicycle to the indoor bicycle rack. Bicycles are not allowed to be taken into any other areas in the medical school or J.B.J. buildings with the exception of police bicycles, which are considered emergency vehicles.

Tulane University Hospital and Clinic Garage Entrance
It is located across from the TUMCH/C Emergency Department on the 200 block of LaSalle Street. Upon entering the garage you will find an open area to the right. There is a long row of racks for bicycles and parking space for motorcycles. Access is free. You must supply your own lock to secure your bicycle. With the exception of police bicycles no bicycles are allowed into the hospital or clinics. Bicyclists are strongly urged to refrain from attaching their bicycles to unauthorized TUMCH/C structures such as railings, doorways, sign posts and plant grating. Please remember that the hospital's current policy is to remove the violators' bicycles, so please take advantage of this free service.

Tidewater Building Side Entrance Bicycle Room
It is located within the side entrance of the Tidewater Building on the 100 block of LaSalle Street. There is a bicycle storage room at the end of the hallway with a combination operated locked door. The code is provided to Tulane affiliated persons as approved by the Building Management Office. See the reverse side for contact information. It is a free service. You must supply your own lock to secure your bicycle. Be advised that the side door is locked on weekends and after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, when the front entrance on Canal Street must be used. No bicycles are allowed on higher floors.

Recommended For Your Bicycle

The best of the best. This type of lock rates as one of the most preferred. It cannot be removed with simple tools and resists lock-picking. It is also best if you lock the bicycle at the frame and front tire. Easily removed front tires are prized by bicycle thieves.

  • Combination and key padlocks are easily broken or cut.
  • Chains can be twisted open or cut off.
  • Cables are very easily cut off.

Other Items At Risk For Theft

  • bicycle seats
  • saddle bags
  • helmets
  • tools
  • Secure your bike with a "horse shoe" shaped alloy hardened locking device (Citadel or Kryptonite are some name brands). Most chains and cables, regardless of a hardened case, can be cut with bolt cutters. Check the lock by pulling on it to make sure it is secure.
  • Keep bicycles locked anytime they are unattended. If you must use a cable locking device, hook the cable through the frame, front and rear wheel, and around a solid fixed object (preferably not a wooden post).
  • Mark an identifying number (SS# or driver's license #) with an engraving tool on the frame and several areas of the bike. If the bike is stolen your chances of recovery are increased. (An engraving tool may be borrowed from the TUHSC Police Department.) You should also register the bicycle with the local law enforcement agency. Keep a photograph, serial number and complete description of the bicycle in a safe place.
  • Whenever available use designated bike racks for storing of bikes.
  • Most bicycle thefts occur during the daylight hours. Attach light or an adequate number of reflectors for safety at night. Adhere to all rules of the road at all times.
  • Keep a photo, serial number, description and the bill of sale in a safe place. Be able to identify the bike not only by color, but also by its features and peculiar markings.
  • Register the bike with your local law enforcement agency if they have a bicycle division and offer bicycle registration.
  • Try and avoid parking a bicycle in high crime, deserted or poorly lit areas.
  • Bicycle thieves are usually young adults or juveniles.
  • Report suspicious persons around the bike racks to the Tulane University Health Sciences Center Police at 988-5531.

Other important Departments

TUHSC Parking Services
(Parking in the School and Hospital Garages)
8th floor, Tidewater Building, telehone: 988-5577

Tidewater Building Management
(Parking in the Tidewater Building)
8th floor, Tidewater Building, telephone: 585-6100

Safety Tips when Cycling

When you ride your bike on a campus sidewalk, you must to yield to pedestrians. Some off-campus sidewalk areas with heavy pedestrian traffic are signed prohibiting riding bicycles on the sidewalk.

When you ride on the road, your bike is a vehicle and you must obey traffic laws.

  • Scan the road behind. Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left. Some riders use helmet-mounted or bike-mounted rear-view mirrors. Always look back before changing lanes or changing positions within your lane, and only move when no other vehicle is in your way.
  • Go slowly on sidewalks and bike paths. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Give pedestrians audible (horn/bell/word) warning when you pass. Don't cross driveways or intersections without slowing to walker's pace and looking very carefully for traffic, especially traffic turning right.
  • When on the road, ride in a straight line whenever possible. Ride with, not against, the traffic. Keep to the right, but stay about a car-door-width away from parked cars.
  • Avoid road hazards. Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, slippery manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel and ice. Cross railroad tracks and speed bumps carefully at right angles. Norman has a number of designated "bike routes" which are signed and marked for bike traffic. Use these routes whenever possible.
  • Choose the best way to turn left. There are two ways to make a left turn:
    • Like an auto, look, signal, move into the left lane, and turn left.
    • Like a pedestrian, ride straight to the far-side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.
  • Obey traffic signs and signals. By law, cyclists must obey traffic laws when bicycles are ridden on streets in New Orleans and roads within the State of Louisiana.
  • Ride a properly equipped bike.
    • Always use a strong headlight and taillight at night and when visibility is poor.
      (By law, in Louisiana, to ride at night you must have a light-emitting headlight visible for at least 500 feet and a red reflector visible for 50 to 300 feet from the rear. Most states have similar laws.)
    • Be sure your bike is adjusted to fit you properly.
    • For safety and efficiency, outfit it with a horn/bell, rear-view mirror(s), fenders (for rainy rides), and racks, baskets or bike bags.

Tips For Bicyclists:

How To Ride In Traffic

Rule 1: Be Predictable
Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements.

  1. Obey traffic signs and signals. Bicycles must obey traffic laws like other vehicles.
  2. Never ride against traffic. Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the left side of the road. Ride on the right, with the traffic.
  3. Use hand signals when initiating a turn. Hand signals tell motorists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy and of self-protection.
  4. Ride in a straight line. Whenever possible, ride in a straight line, to the right of traffic but about a car-door-width away from parked cars.
  5. Don't weave between parked cars. Don't ride over to the curb between parked cars, unless they are far apart. Motorists may not see you when you move back into traffic.
  6. Ride in middle of lane in slow traffic. Get in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic. (Remember, your bike IS a vehicle when on the road and you ARE allowed to operate it in the middle of the traffic lane, not just at the right edge, when traffic is slow. You're also responsible for signalling and stopping at stop signs and traffic lights like other vehicles.)
  7. Follow lane markings. Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked right-turn-only.
  8. Choose the best way to turn left. Remember: There are two ways to make a left turn. 1) Like an auto. Signal, move into the left lane and turn left. 2) Like a pedestrian.
  9. Don't pass on the right. Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.
  10. Go slow on shared paths. Yield to pedestrians. Give pedestrians audible warning when you pass. Do not ride on sidewalks where prohibited.
  11. When biking with others, ride in line when other traffic is present.

Rule 2: Be Alert
Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.

  1. Keep the bike in good repair. Adjust your bike to fit you, and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly.
  2. Use lights at night or when visibility is poor. The law requires a strong headlight and rear reflector or tail light at night.
  3. Dress appropriately. In rain, wear a poncho or a parka made of fabric that "breathes". Generally dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Avoid loose clothing. Purchase a "strap" at a local bike store to control your right pantleg to avoid catching in in the chain.
  4. Use a pack or rack to carry things. Saddlebags, racks, baskets, and backpacks are all good ways to carry packages, freeing your hands for safe riding.
  5. Always wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet. This reduces the potential for head injury by 85%.

Summary

Bicycles have the right to use Louisiana roads, however, use of Interstate highways by bicycles is discouraged. Bicyclists Must:

  • Obey traffic lights, stop signs, one-way streets and other basic traffic laws.
    A bicyclist has the same rights and duties on the road as drivers of other vehicles, and some additional responsibilities.
  • Ride as far "as practicable" to the right (or to the outside lanes on a one-way street), particularly when automobile traffic is moving faster than you are.
  • Be prepared to yield at all times.
  • Use hand signals when turning or moving from a lane.
  • Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Give audible warning when overtaking a pedestrian.
  • Keep at least one hand on handlebars. Keep control of the bicycle at all times.
  • Use a headlight with a white light visible from at least 500 feet ahead, and a red reflector visible from at least 50 to 300 feet behind, when riding from sunset to sunrise or whenever visibility is poor.
  • Keep brakes adjusted so that, when braked, your bicycle skids on clean dry pavement.
  • Ride astride a fixed seat (kiddie seat and tandems acceptable). Riding "double" is discouraged.
  • Ride no more than two abreast.

If you have questions regarding bicycle safety and security contact the TUHSCPD Crime Prevention Unit at 988- 5531, or send e-mail to TUHSCPD Crime Prevention.