Bike Registration

You are required to register your bicycle with the Department of Public Safety. Once registered, a bike registration decal containing a license number will be sent to your Middlebury College mailbox. Please affix the decal on the frame of the bicycle, preferably under the seat post.

Register Your Bike

Bicycle Operations

Bicycles are an efficient way for students, faculty, and staff to get around campus, and we encourage the safe and courteous use of them. 

  • It is unlawful to operate a bicycle in a manner that could endanger pedestrians, other cyclists, and motorists. 
  • A bicycle is considered a vehicle. When riding on town streets, you must obey all traffic laws. Please be particularly cautious at intersections, especially those surrounding campus. 

Town of Middlebury Safe Operation of Bicycles Ordinance

Bicycle Parking

Bicycle parking regulations are in effect at all times, including holidays and summer months. Bicycle parking is available at bicycle racks located throughout campus, including the residence hall areas. 

Bicycles are to be parked only in these areas and should be properly attached to racks. As a courtesy to fellow cyclists, please use only one space. 

Bicycles may not be chained or otherwise secured to handrails or traffic signs, or placed in any manner which may create a safety hazard by obstructing passageways, stairs, entrances or exits.

Bicycles may not be parked or stored in the following ways:

  • On any access rail, ramp or blocking an entrance or exit to any campus building. Carelessly placed bicycles can cause injuries and prevent accessibility to a building.
  • Against or fastened to any water, steam or gas pipe, any electrical fixture, ornamental bench, trash can or emergency safety device.
  • Against or fastened to any tree, plant, bush or foliage.
  • In any handicap area.

Any bicycles found illegally parked or attached to access handrails will be cut off and impounded. There will be a $50.00 impound/release fee for all impounded bicycles. Bicycles can only be released during the Access and Parking Office business hours. All fees must be paid via the Cashiers Office or the Public Safety Storefront.

Bicycle Safety

  • Ride responsibly and always wear a helmet.
  • Don’t weave or change lane positions.
  • Always leave at least three feet between yourself and obstacles such as parked cars or poorly maintained shoulders.
  • Make sure your bicycle brakes are in working order.
  • Vermont state law requires a white front light and rear red light for night riding. Also, wear light, reflective clothing, which will increase your visibility and help reduce conflicts.
  • California state law requires lights and reflectors at night. During darkness bicyclist must have the following equipment: a front lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet, a rear reflector visible from a distance of 500 feet, a white or yellow reflector on each pedal or on the bicyclist shoes or ankles visible from a distance of 200 feet, and a brake which enables the operator to make a one brake wheel stop on dry, level, clean pavement.
  • Always ride with the flow of traffic, on the road’s right-hand side.
  • Ride on roads and not sidewalks whenever possible. Remember, bicyclists aren’t permitted to ride on sidewalks in Middlebury’s downtown.
  • Don’t ride the wrong way on a one-way street. 
  • Obey all traffic laws and always use hand signals when turning.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings—don’t wear headphones and warn pedestrians or fellow riders when you’re passing them.
  • Take extra care when passing parking lot exits or biking through a parking lot.
  • Walk bicycles across crosswalks to avoid bicycle/vehicle collisions.

Safety Enforcement

  • Bicycles impeding pedestrian traffic, including access for the disabled, may be impounded without prior notification and an impoundment fee of $50 will be charged.
  • Bicycles not removed or properly stored by the day after final exams (unless in active use by students on campus for summer employment) will be considered abandoned property.
  • Bicycles not in working condition for a period of more than two weeks are considered abandoned, even during the semester. 

Public Safety and Facilities Services have the authority to use whatever means necessary to impound illegally parked bicycles; locks and chains are removed at the owner’s expense. The College will not be held liable for bikes or securing devices (locks) which are damaged during impoundment. Proof of ownership is required to claim impounded bicycles. Unclaimed bicycles are disposed of. Violators of this policy will be issued a campus citation set at $50.00 plus any damages to College property.

For Your Security

Bicycle owners should use a sturdy, good quality “Krypton” U-Lock. This type of lock can be purchased at a local bike shop. Although cable locks are often used, they do not provide adequate security and can easily be cut. Most bicycles that are stolen at Middlebury are ones that have been secured with poor quality locks and/or have been improperly secured or not secured at all. 

  • Retain the original purchase documentation for the bike, including the serial number.
  • If possible, take a photo of your bike. It can help with recovery if your bike is ever stolen.
  • Always lock your bike. Optimally, bikes should be locked around the frame and through both wheels, as well as secured to a bike rack. Leave as little space as possible inside the U-Lock to minimize the space for thieves to insert their tools.
  • Do not lock your bike to a tree, bench, or handrail.
  • Invest in a strong bicycle lock or strong padlock and chain. Chains should be case-hardened steel with links at least 5/8 inch in diameter.
  • Whenever possible, keep your bicycle inside. Many residence halls have designated bike rooms.
  • If you leave your bicycle outside, keep it in a well-lit and heavily traveled location.
  • Find out if your parents’ insurance policy covers your bicycle. If not, consider insuring it.
  • Public Safety or Facilities Services will remove bicycles locked to handrails or in walkways and will fine the bike owners.

If your bicycle is missing or stolen:

  • Contact the Department of Public Safety immediately.
  • Be on the lookout for your bicycle. If you locate it, contact the Department of Public Safety.

Department of Public Safety
125 South Main St.
Middlebury, VT 05753