Rules of the Road
Now that you have your Tiger Bike, remember that the bike and its accessories are your responsibility. Below are a few rules that will help you stay safe and have a great riding experience.
When traveling on roadways...
When utilizing bike lanes...
When traveling on sidewalks...
Additional bike safety rules...
Types of Bike Lanes
Bike Lanes
Shared Lanes
Safety Equipment
Communication Signals
How to Properly Secure Your Bicycle
Reporting Accidents and Stolen Bicycles and Accessories
You must follow traffic laws and traffic control signs and devices when riding your Tiger Bike, including using the proper signals when turning, changing lanes and stopping at red lights.
You must ride in the same direction as other motorists and as close to the right-hand
curb or edge of roadway as possible, except when: (1) passing another vehicle going
in the same direction; (2) when turning left at intersections, private roads or driveways;
(3) when it is reasonably necessary to avoid conditions such as parked vehicles, pedestrians,
animals, constructions or when riding in a lane that is too narrow for both a vehicle
and
bicycle to ride together in the same lane side-by-side.
Do not ride a bicycle on roadways where bicycles are prohibited.
Do not ride more than two abreast (except on an exclusive bike path). While riding two abreast, do not impede traffic and stay within a single travel lane.
Give an audible signal before passing another bicyclist, and pass on the left.
When entering or leaving a bicycle lane, yield the right of way to all pedestrians, vehicles or bicyclists by giving the appropriate signal before any movement is made.
Travel in the bicycle lane in the same direction as the vehicles traveling in the adjacent traffic lane.
You may operate a bicycle on a sidewalk except where there are official signs prohibiting bicycles. Bicyclists should use bike lanes when they are present.
Yield the right of way to other sidewalk-type vehicles, giving audible signals before passing.
Do not attach bicycle or hold on to any other moving vehicle.
Do not tow any person or other similar vehicle with your bicycle. This does not prohibit the use of a proper bicycle trailer or semitrailer.
Do not carry a package or article that will prevent you from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
According to Tennessee law, all roads except expressways can be used by bicyclists, whether bike or shared lanes are present. For the safest travel, bicyclists should plan their route according to the bicycle maps provided by the City of Memphis and Shelby County.
Bike Lanes
These are lanes designated for bicycle use and should be used by bicyclists when present.
Bicyclists should stay at least four feet from parked cars.
Merge out of bike lane to avoid any obstructions or in advance of making a left turn.
Always look behind for traffic and use hand signals before merging.
Shared Lanes
These lanes are for both bicyclists and motorists to share.
Ride over the marked lane in the same direction as traffic, using the marking as a
guide for avoiding opening doors and more visibility.
If you need to change lanes, always look behind you and give proper signals before
merging.
Both white light forward-facing lamp and rear lamp and reflectors are provided with every Tiger Bike and must be in use when riding at night.
Every rider should wear a helmet. Riders under 16 years of age must wear a helmet.
A bicycle cannot be used to carry excess persons beyond which it has been equipped.
1. Hand Signals
Use hand signals when operating a bicycle on roadways. Make sure to use the stop hand
signal when you are slowing down, because bicycles do not have brake lights to make
the motorist or bicyclists behind you aware of your intentions.
2. Audible Signals
When passing other bicyclists, sidewalk-type vehicles or pedestrians, always pass
on the left and either verbally speak, “On your left,” or ring a bell. Do not use
a whistle or siren for audible signals.
How to Properly Secure Your Bicycle
ALWAYS LOCK YOUR BICYCLE!
Location
Look for a place to lock your bicycle to something permanent, the best location being
a bicycle rack. Always park and lock your bicycle in areas with high visibility.
Types of Locks
Each Tiger Bike includes a U-lock with a key and a cable to be combined with the U-lock.
Both can be easily attached to the bicycle when it is in operation. These locks and
the security of the bicycle are the responsibility of the member. Always take the
key with you after securing the bicycle.
How to lock the bicycle
The style of locking used for Tiger Bikes is called cross locking. Put U-lock through
the frame and front tire and wrap the cable through the frame of the bike and both
tires and back through the U-lock. Then secure the U-lock to a suitable and safe bike
rack. Always make sure that both tires and bike frame are secure.
Reporting Accidents and Stolen Bicycles and Accessories
If you are in an accident or the Tiger Bike or accessories are stolen while on the
UofM campus, you must immediately report the incident to UofM Police Services. For
emergencies, call 901.678.HELP (678.4357), and for non-emergencies, call 901.678.3848.
Accidents or incidents of stolen property off campus must be reported to City of Memphis Police at 901.545.2677 (non-emergency). Dial 911 for an emergency.
After a report is made with police, contact the Tiger Bike Shop at 901.678.4201.