Rules & safety | Transportation Services

Bicyclists at the UW share the campus with pedestrians, buses, cars and non-motorized vehicles such as scooters and skateboards. To stay safe, follow these basic rules of the road:

Pedestrians always have the right of way
Always yield to slower moving traffic
Follow posted speed limits and other signage and obey all traffic laws
Dismount and walk your bike when in any Bike Walk Zone and crowded pedestrian areas
Minimize your impact by staying off of lawns and landscaped areas
Park and lock your bike only at designated bike racks

Bicyclists are responsible for following all city and state regulations, as well as UW-specific bike guidelines. Read on to learn more:

Bike Walk Zone

Heavily-trafficked parts of campus, such as the HUB Yard and the area between Red Square and Drumheller Fountain, are a designated Bike Walk Zone. Bikes must be walked when pedestrians are present. Violators may be issued a $25 citation.

Click image for a larger version of the map.

Other campus regulations

Speed. Obey all posted speed limits at all times. Obey all posted signage. Negligent riding is subject to citation.

E-bikes. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes as defined by the Washington State Legislature are allowed anywhere that a regular bicycle is allowed. Always yield to slower-moving pedestrians and cyclists.

Right of way. Keep to the right. Always yield to slower-moving traffic, including pedestrians and other cyclists. Obey all traffic signals and all posted stop and yield signs, including on the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Passing. Bicyclists should typically keep to the right and pass on the left. Say “on your left” or ring a bell to warn the person you are passing. If you need to pass someone on the Burke-Gilman Trail, do so in single file.

Sidewalks. Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks except where signs indicate otherwise, such as some sections of Stevens Way. Remember to ride where you can easily be seen by drivers and pedestrians. Drivers not expecting you on the sidewalk may overlook you as they approach a driveway or crosswalk.

Sharrows and shared roadways

bicycle riding over sharrow mark on road

Two chevrons above a bicycle are called a shared-lane marking, or “sharrow.” Sharrows alert all roadway users to watch for bicyclists. While bicyclists are allowed to ride on all UW roadways, roads marked with sharrows generally carry higher volumes of bicycles and cars.

When riding a bicycle on a shared roadway, be courteous and respectful of pedestrians, people in cars and other people on bicycles. Ride predictably and in the correct direction of travel.

Bicyclists may take the full lane (i.e. ride in the center of the lane) even when a sharrow is not present.

General rights and responsibilities

A bicycle is considered a vehicle by law, just like a car. This means that bicycle riders are held to the same standards as drivers of other moving vehicles. You can be issued citations for the following infractions, among others:

Failure to use lights and reflectors:
- a white front light must be visible to the front 500 feet away
- a red reflector must be visible to the rear 100 feet away
- a red light to the rear is optional but highly recommended
Failure to stop at a stop sign
Failure to yield to a pedestrian
Failure to wear a helmet
Passing in designated No Passing Zones
Bicyclists suddenly entering roadway
Unsafe/negligent action
Speeding
Defective/missing equipment, such as seats, brakes and reflectors

Links to more information