Cars, Bikes & Scooters

Cycling Safety Tips

• When riding on roadways, follow traffic signals and signage.
• Riding a bike on the sidewalk is legal, but you must yield to people walking or rolling.
• Use hand signals.
• If one is available, use a bike path.
• Always be aware of your surroundings; avoid using headphones or earbuds while riding.
• Consider wearing bright/reflective clothing and bike lights, especially at night, to make yourself more visible. (A front light and rear reflector are required after dark, and a red tail light is required on roadways with posted speeds of 35 mph or greater.)
• Wearing a helmet is recommended.
• If you are traveling by bicycle, be aware of VCU’s biking regulations.

Bike & Scooter Parking

Racks have been installed throughout VCU’s campuses to accommodate students and faculty who commute to campus via bicycles, scooters and mopeds. These racks provide optimal parking for riders while restricting their travel in high-traffic pedestrian areas.

Scooter racks are available at the following locations:

• Southwest corner of Hibbs Hall near Park and Grove avenues
• 12th Street side of the Lyons Dental Building
• The parking lot behind Grant House

Those driving scooters can read up on laws and regulations for scooters and motorcycles.

Traffic / Driver Safety

If you’re commuting to campus, make sure you are aware of Virginia’s traffic laws. It is illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone while driving in Virginia; please use hands free technology.

• Buckle up and drive sober.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, including at unmarked intersections.
• When passing cyclists, give at least three feet of passing space and drive at a safe speed.
• Obey posted speed limits. Richmond drivers are reminded that the highest posted travel speed for drivers along Broad Street is 35 mph, and the speed drops to 25 mph in VCU Police jurisdiction. The majority of streets on the campuses are also 25 mph.
• Follow traffic signs and signals.
• Use hands free technology to talk on the phone while driving. (It is illegal for drivers to hold a cell phone while driving. Alternatively, consider using a ‘do not disturb’ setting.)
• Listen to music or audio without using earbuds or headphones.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.

In Virginia drivers must move over or slow down when possible for any vehicle on the side of the road with flashing red, blue, amber, or hazard lights. 

Traffic Conditions

Whether you are going to class or work, you need to know traffic conditions. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains 511virginia.org/, which lists statewide traffic information.  

Traffic Issues on the MCV Campus

Traffic patterns have changed at the MCV Campus due to ongoing construction in the area. Be aware of your surroundings and allow more time for travel. Watch for traffic control officers. When you approach an intersection, use your turn signals.

Prevent Car Theft

Nationwide, more than one million cars are stolen each year. A car does not have to be a newer model to be a target. As long as the vehicle is easy to steal, a thief will have an eye on it. Observe the following tips to keep your vehicle safe.

Tips to Keep Motor Vehicles Safe

Motor Vehicle Theft (Cars & Trucks):

• Motor vehicle theft is the criminal act of stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle.
• Never leave your car unattended, unlocked, running and/or with the keys inside. It only takes a minute for someone to steal a vehicle that’s already running and unlocked. 
• Always lock your car doors and windows. Thieves will try to open doors or reach in through open windows.
• Keep laptops, cell phones, purses, book bags and anything else of value in the trunk of your vehicle or take them with you. Thieves will look into the windows of vehicles prior to breaking in.
• Consider using an antitheft device.
• Park in well-lit, busy areas.
• Do not store spare keys in your car or in your car’s gas compartment. Thieves know where to look for them.
• If you see people trying to open the doors of multiple vehicles, contact VCU Police to report suspicious behavior.

Motor Vehicle Theft (Motorcycles & Scooters):

• Motor vehicle theft is the criminal act of stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle; this includes motorcycles and scooters.
• Use designated motorcycle or scooter parking spots when possible. 
• Lock the motorcycle to a stationary object that is immovable, such as the end of a bike rack. Use a thick chain and heavy-duty padlock. Lock the forks, or disc brakes.
• Lock the ignition and remove the key. Do not keep a spare key on it. 
• Park in well-lit areas, near other vehicles. If hiding the bike is an option, consider it. If riding with other motorcyclists, consider locking them together.
• Consider installing the following motorcycle/scooter specific theft prevention items: Anti-theft alarm, kill switch or GPS Tracker
• Keep the title at home. Keep the registration and insurance information on your person.
• Secure your helmet with a helmet lock, or take it with you. Take any valuables with you, or lock them in saddle bags. 
• If you see people trying to move multiple motorcycles or scooters, contact VCU Police to report suspicious behavior.

Tips for community members: meeting delivery drivers promptly

• Meet delivery drivers at their car so they don't feel as though they have to leave it running and unattended.
• Don't expect delivery drivers to stand in the lobby with your order, be ready to meet them.
• For delivers to residence halls, apartments and homes, head down 1 to 2 minutes early as a courtesy to the delivery driver.

Accidents on Campus

If you become involved in an auto accident on campus, stay calm. Dial (804) 828-1196 or use an Emergency Reporting Telephone System phone and report it to the VCU Police Department. An officer will respond to take a report. If there are any injuries involved, notify the dispatcher so they can have emergency medical services respond as well.