Bicycles and Personal Transportation Devices

Bicycles and Other Personal Transportation Devices (Scooters, Hoverboards, Skateboards and Skates)

To promote safety, courtesy, and caution, the use of bicycles and other personal transportation devices – including but not limited to skateboards, hoverboards, scooters and skates – is governed by the following policy.  This includes both motorized and non-motorized devices. These devices may only be used in outdoor areas and are prohibited inside any University building.

General Use

• Personal transportation devices (e.g. bicycles, skateboards, scooters) are prohibited inside all University buildings. This excludes mobility devices used as an approved reasonable accommodation.
• Users must yield the right of way to pedestrians or and avoid disrupting pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
• Use of these devices on campus is limited to students, faculty, staff, and their guests. Dependents and guests must be accompanied by a student, faculty or staff member with a valid Phoenix Card. All personal transportation devices shall yield the right-of-way and avoid colliding with pedestrians.
• Guests of the Inn at Elon may use bicycles on campus if all other University policies are followed.

Risk and Responsibility

• Individuals assume full responsibility for all risks associated with the use of bicycles and other personal transportation devices, including injuries or property damage.
• Operators are personally responsible for all costs related to injury or damage cause by their device.
• Stunt riding and skating on elevated surfaces, (e.g. benches, steps, stairways, walls, or other objects) is prohibited.
• The use of protective gear – helmets, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads – is strongly recommended at all times.
• Riding while attached to another vehicle ("clinging") is prohibited under North Carolina law.
• Riders must not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended occupancy for any device.

Storage and Parking

• Storage must comply with University policies, including those for residence halls.
• Motorized or electric personal transportation devices may not be used, charged, or stored in any Elon-owned, operated, or leased building. This includes residence halls, academic buildings, dining halls, Moseley Center, Belk Library, etc.
• All devices must be properly secured and stored when not in use:
  • Bicycles and scooters must be parked in designated bicycle racks.
  • Scooters must be upright and must not block pedestrian pathways.
  • Devices parked in unauthorized areas (e.g. stairwells, railings, brick colonnades, gazebos) may be confiscated.
  • Bicycles left after May commencement become University property and may be donated.

Registration and Legal Compliance

• Motorized vehicles capable of exceeding 25 mph must be registered with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Bicycles may be registered with the Office of Campus Safety and Police. Registration can aid in recovery if a bicycle is stolen.

• The University reserves the right to immediately relocate or confiscate any personal transportation device in violation of this policy. The owner is liable for any resulting loss or damage.

Enforcement and Consequences

• Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including referral to the Office of Student Conduct.
• Guests violating this policy may be restricted from campus access.

Local Ordinances

• The Town of Elon prohibits skateboarding, rollerblading, and riding scooters or hoverboards on town streets.
• Bicycles are prohibited on the sidewalks along North Williamson Avenue between Lebanon Avenue and Haggard Avenue.
• On all other sidewalks, bicycles powered manually may be used, but must yield to pedestrians and avoid collisions.