This policy aims to make Georgia Tech a better environment for bicyclists, PMD users and the community at large. This policy makes clear the expectations for bicyclists, personal mobility device (PMD) users and companies, and Georgia Tech administrators and employees in managing bike and PMD related issues on campus, and identifies what actions are to be supported and discouraged. In this policy, the term Personal Mobility Device (PMD) does not refer to wheelchairs and other vehicles meant to assist individuals with physical mobility issues or disabilities.
Bicycle and PMD Requirements - General
Individuals may bring personally owned, and Shareable Bicycles and PMDs on GT campus for individual use. Third-party PMD companies are prohibited from staging Bicycles and PMDs On-Campus without prior written approval from Georgia Tech.
Bicycles are vehicles under state law (see O.C.G.A. § 40-1-1(14)(75)) and are treated as having the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles unless explicitly restricted from a given area. Bicycles are required to be equipped with lights and/or reflectors in accordance with state law. All bicyclists are strongly encouraged to use prominent front and rear lights and register the bicycle with GTPD (learn more here) to facilitate bicycle owner identification when needed.
Privately Owned and Shareable Bicycle and PMD Use Requirements
Bicyclists and PMD riders are expected to exercise courtesy and always yield to pedestrians. When traveling with pedestrian traffic, it is encouraged for bicyclists and PMD riders to dismount and walk their bicycles or PMDs. Bicyclists and PMDs riding among pedestrians are expected to travel carefully and at a safe, slower rate of speed. Bicyclists and PMD riders are encouraged to be extra vigilant of other users when approaching intersections and riding alongside parked vehicles, where risks to safety may be higher.
Bicyclists and PMD riders should ride lawfully and courteously, at safe speeds and within their control at all times. Bicyclists and PMD riders are expected to lock their bicycles and/or PMDs securely whenever unattended. A u-lock is recommended over other types of locks.
Privately Owned and Shareable Bicycle and PMD Use Requirements
| Traffic Lanes | Bike Lanes/Multi-Use Paths | Sidewalks | Walkways, Ramps, Malls, Patios | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycles and Electric Bicycles | Yes | Yes. Must give pedestrians the right of way on multi-use paths. | Bicycles are not intended to be ridden on sidewalks. Riders should dismount and walk their bikes. | No |
| Non-electric Scooters and Skateboards | Yes - when traveling at the same rate of speed as vehicle traffic, or turning left. | Yes. Must give pedestrians the right of way on multi-use paths. | Yes | No |
| Electric Scooters | Yes | Yes. Must give pedestrians the right of way on multi-use paths. | Scooters are not intended to be ridden on sidewalks. Riders should dismount and walk their scooters. | No |
| Electric Skateboards/Hoverboards | Yes - when traveling at the same rate of speed as vehicle traffic or turning left. | Yes. Must give pedestrians the right of way on multi-use paths. | Electric skateboards and hoverboards are not intended to be ridden on sidewalks. Riders should dismount and walk/carry their vehicles. | No |
Privately Owned and Shareable Bicycle and PMD Parking Requirements
Bicycles and PMDs may be parked on campus when in use. Bicycles and PMDs should not be stored on campus for long durations of time without use, and bicycles and PMDs which appear to be Abandoned (see definition below) will be removed as outlined in GT PTS Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
Bicycles may only be parked on GT campus in areas specifically designated for such parking by the presence of racks, other devices designed for bicycle parking, or when designated by the posting of signs indicating the space as a bicycle parking area. In instances when those spaces are full, Bicycle users should follow the chart below for further instruction.
PMDs may only be parked on GT campus in areas specifically designated for such parking by the presence of racks, or other devices designed for Bicycle/PMD parking, or when designated by the posting of signs or other markers indicating a space as a bicycle/PMD paring area. In instances when those spaces are full, PMD users should follow the chart below for further instruction. Bicycles and PMDs must be parked in an upright position with use of the kickstand for support. Shareable PMDs should be parked in locations that may be easily accessed by other potential users and may not be parked in any of the prohibited locations noted within the Policy.
No bicycle or PMD shall be parked, stored, or left in any manner which blocks or impedes the normal flow of traffic on any roadway, street, alley, sidewalk, mall, patio, parking area, bicycle lane or bicycle path of the Institute or in any manner which interferes with or impedes the normal movement of persons with disabilities, pedestrians or bicyclists on ramps, stairways or curb cuts. Bicycles and PMDs are also prohibited from parking at trees, railings, signs, light posts, bus stops, bus loading zones, lawns and landscaped spaces.
To lessen the likelihood of bicycles being identified as abandoned and removed per GT PTS’ Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations, GT Housing residents taking summer classes or staying in Intern Lodging Program may store their bicycles in bike rooms or racks associated with their summer residence hall as long as their bicycle is registered with GTPD. Bicycle and PMD parking in campus residential areas is governed by Housing's Residence Hall Community Policies. Bicycles may be retrieved through the process outlined in GT PTS’ Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
Privately Owned Bicycles and PMDs Parking Requirements
| Bike Racks | Sidewalks | Building Entrances/Exits | Building Lobby/Hallways | Offices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycles/ Electric Bicycles | Yes | No | No - unless parked at designated bike racks. | No - unless specifically designated by signage. | Yes - provided emergency exit is not impeded, and approved by building manager. |
| Scooters/ Electric Scooters | Yes | No | No - unless parked at designated bike racks. | No - unless specifically designated by signage. | Yes - provided emergency exit is not impeded, and approved by building manager. |
| Gas Powered Scooters (not Mopeds) | Yes | No | No - unless parked at designated bike racks. | No | Yes - provided emergency exit is not impeded, and approved by building manager. |
| Electric and Non-electric Skateboards, Hoverboards | Yes | No | No - unless parked at designated bike racks. | No - unless specifically designated by signage. | Yes - provided emergency exit is not impeded, and approved by building manager. |
Shareable Bicycles and PMDs Parking Requirements
| Bike Racks | Sidewalks | Building Entrances or Exits | Building Lobby or Hallways, or Offices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dockless Bicycles | Yes | No | No - unless parked at designated Bike Rack. | No |
| Docked Bicycles | At designated docks, or virtual hubs, or within bike racks if other parking options are full or designated docks are not on campus. | No | No - unless parked at designated Bike Rack. | No |
| Scooters/Electric Scooters | Alongside, but not within bike racks. Park in designated Scooter parking if available. | Yes, provided 5 feet of clearance is available for pedestrians as required per Atlanta ordinance. | No | No |
PMD Charging
Pursuant to fire safety requirements, PMDs may not be charged on GT campus. Violators of this PMD charging prohibition may have their account rescinded by the vehicle companies, or other penalties as determined by Georgia Tech. Charging in campus residential areas is governed by Housing's Residence Hall Community Policies.
Bicycle and PMD Removal
Institute personnel authorized to enforce this policy may use whatever reasonable measures necessary to move, alter, or remove any part or component of the Bicycle or PMD found in violation of this policy.
Bicycles and PMDs blocking emergency access may be Impounded immediately upon discovery, including the removal of any locking devices. The Institute will store any bicycles impounded in accordance with the GT PTS’ Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
Bicycles and PMDs blocking the flow of traffic or other access may be tagged as an obstruction by authorized personnel. If said bicycle or PMD is not removed within 24 hours, it may be impounded and stored in accordance with GT PTS’ Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
Bicycles or PMDs which appear to be abandoned (see definition) will be reviewed and removed in accordance with GT PTS’ Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
Third-party Bicycles and PMDs that are staged on-campus without written approval and/or in violation of this policy may be removed by Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) or Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) in accordance with Georgia Tech’s removal process. For additional information regarding Georgia Tech’s removal process see Georgia Tech’s Bicycle and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
The owner of a removed bicycle or PMD may contact GTPD or PTS (commute@gatech.edu) to claim their bicycle. The owner may be required to present proof of ownership, such as a receipt, manual, photo, lock key or documentation substantiating ownership. Once a claim of ownership is substantiated, the owner may claim the bike or PMD from GTPD at the location and time of GTPD’s convenience. Learn more about Bicycle and PMD removal and storage in GT PTS’ Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
Locks and Locking Devices
Locks or locking devices on bike racks that are not securing a bicycle or PMD or are attached to any object not approved for Bicycle or PMD parking may be removed by authorized Institute personnel.
Georgia Tech is not responsible for any damages to locks, bicycles, PMDs or other property that may occur during the removal or impoundment process.
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, and guests, along with third-party companies seeking to stage rental bicycles or PMDs on campus. Mopeds and gas operated scooters are not considered bicycles or PMDs. They are expected to adhere to applicable law and GT PTS policies regarding motorized vehicles.
In this policy, the term Personal Mobility Device (PMD) does not refer to wheelchairs or other devices meant to assist individuals with physical mobility issues or disabilities.
| Abandoned Bicycle or PMD | A bicycle or PMD remaining at a location for a prolonged period of time or past the time limit after being tagged by Georgia Tech for removal. A bicycle shall be deemed abandoned if it: (1) is in a state of disrepair as to be incapable of being operated in its present condition, or (2) has not been moved or used in more than 30 days and bears physical indicia of having been deserted. This can include, but not be limited to; excessive rust, rust on chain, seat and handlebars coated in dirt or dust, flat tires. |
| Bike Rack | Any object expressly intended for the attachment and securing of a bicycle through the use of a locking mechanism. Examples may include “wave” racks, “swerve” racks, or “pi” racks. |
| Bike Share Station | A specific location with bike racks, where bike share bikes are expected to be locked. This may be required by the bike share company in conjunction with local authorities or Georgia Tech. |
| Dockless Bike | A bike share bike that is not required to be locked at a bike share station. It may be ‘free-locked (locked to itself)’ and parked in a location allowed by the bike share company, municipality, government or campus. |
| Electric Bike/E-Bike | An electric bike, or e-bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor to assist in vehicle propulsion. E-bikes are generally powered by a rechargeable battery. |
| Electric Scooter | A device with no more than two approximately 10-inch diameter wheels that has a handlebar and brakes, is designed to be stood upon by the operator, and is powered by an electric motor that is capable of propelling the device once it is set in motion at a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour on level ground. Per City of Atlanta law shareable electric scooters’ maximum allowable speed is 15mph. |
| Impounded Bicycle or PMD | A bicycle or PMD removed or confiscated by Georgia Tech due to a parking violation. Examples include a bicycle or PMD removed because it is improperly attached to a fixture, a bicycle or PMD blocking access or otherwise creating a hazard, etc. |
| Multi-Use Path | Any shared walkway, bike or PMD use space twelve (12) feet wide, or wider. |
| Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) | An electric or motorized device that facilitates individual human transportation, which includes, but is not limited to, e-scooters but, for purposes of this policy, excludes bicycles, e-bicycles, wheelchairs and other vehicles meant to assist individuals with physical mobility issues or disabilities and any motor vehicle required to be registered with the state, or the operations of which is otherwise governed by state law. |
| Shareable and Privately owned PMDs | Shareable PMDs are those owned by companies and released into the public or private right of way for use by the public for a fee. Privately owned PMDs are those that are privately owned by individuals. |
| Sidewalk | Any campus walkway space less than twelve (12) feet wide. |
Georgia Tech Police (GTPD), Parking and Transportation Services (PTS), Facilities Management, and Housing shall act as shared partners in the execution, maintenance, and operation of this Bicycle and PMD Use Policy.
5.1. Georgia Tech Police, Parking and Transportation Services, Facilities Management
The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD), Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) and Facilities Management are jointly authorized to move, relocate, immobilize, or impound any bicycle and PMD in violation of applicable Federal, State, local regulations and this policy. Learn more about this in GT PTS’ Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
5.2. Department of Housing
Department of Housing is authorized to remove bicycles and PMDs on Housing property in accordance with GT Housing’s Community Living Guide and GT PTS’ Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices Rules and Regulations.
Georgia Tech is not responsible for the loss, damage, theft, care or protection of any bicycles, PMDs, locks or other property at any time. Individuals or companies who bring bicycles or PMDs onto GT Campus assume all risk of loss or damage to such bicycles, PMDs, locks and other property belonging to them.
| Revision Date | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11/2024 | Parking and Transportation Services | Editorial updates. |
| 01/2024 | Parking and Transportation Services | Editorial updates. |
| 09/2021 | Parking and Transportation Services | Policy updated to include PMDs, remove procedures and update definitions. |
| 10/2014 | Parking and Transportation Services | New Policy |