Purpose and Scope
Rockhurst University prioritizes the safety of the campus community. Beginning immediately, use and storage of ALL bicycles, mopeds, and motorized and non-motorized scooters will be narrowly restricted on Rockhurst campus property and Rockhurst-owned or -operated facilities. (Campus Boundaries are Rockhurst Road to Paseo – 51st Street to 55th Street).
Use of skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, self-balancing motorized and non-motorized scooters, hands-free Segway-like scooters, and hoverboards shall not be permitted inside ANY Rockhurst campus property and Rockhurst-owned or -operated facilities.
Please see the end of this document for definitions of terms.
Policy
The following rules and regulations apply to all persons operating any modes of transportation such as those listed above on University property. This policy applies to all Rockhurst faculty, staff and students.
The use of bicycles, mopeds and motorized and non-motorized scooters on campus carries with it responsibility and liability. Individuals assume the risk of personal injury and will be held responsible for any injuries to themselves or others as a result of any violation of this Policy or the improper operation of any personal transportation device on University property. Please ride carefully using reasonable precautions (listed below) and with all due consideration for the safety and rights of others.
Usage
Use of skateboards, in-line skates, roller skates, self-balancing motorized and non-motorized scooters, hands-free Segway-like scooters, and hoverboards is not allowed on Rockhurst campus property and in Rockhurst-owned or -operated facilities, including but not limited to the Quad, North Parking Garage, sidewalks, roads, and parking lots. Persons on such devices are pedestrians for traffic control purposes.
Bicycles, mopeds and scooters shall be ridden on campus roads only. Riders must dismount and walk their bicycle, moped or scooters at all other places. Specifically, these devices shall not be ridden on sidewalks or on any pedestrian path, including but not limited to the Quad and North Parking Garage.
Accidental collisions may seriously injure pedestrians and riders of personal vehicles, and/or cause damage to campus property. A person riding a bicycle, scooter, or any other noted device who strikes anyone is liable for all medical expenses of that victim and any damage done to the victim's property.
Members of the campus community who are riding scooters must adhere to all traffic and university regulations. Regarding operating speeds, motorized scooters can travel up to about 15 mph; and can travel approximately 15 -20 miles on a single charge. Persons shall operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. No acrobatics of any kind are permitted. The operator must remain in control of their device at all times.
Operators should not wear or use headphones or earphones and should be alert for vehicles entering or backing from parking spots.
Parking
Riders must dismount bicycles, mopeds and scooters at the curbside/sidewalk and walk the device to the nearest bicycle rack for parking. Riders must park the vehicle in a fashion that does not impede the passing of pedestrians or those needing wheelchair access.
Bicycle racks are located at several locations throughout the campus:
- The rear of Rock Row housing units
- The rear (west) side of McGee
- The front entrance of the Science Center
- The north side of Arrupe
- The front (east) side of Van Ackeren
- The northeast corner of Rockhurst Road and Troost (near the north parking garage/bus stop)
- The rear (east) side of Massman Hall near the ramp/loading dock
- The west side of Corcoran
- The rear (north) side of X-L
- The front (east) side of the THV community center
Exception: Riders are allowed to park scooters at two locations that are not equipped with bicycle racks. Those locations are:
- The rear side of the flower bed located at the campus entrance of 53rd Street and Troost. The scooter may be parked at an angle, in between two white light posts, behind the flower bed.
- Riders are allowed to angle park scooters on the south side/east section of the walkway between the Greenlease Library and Sedgwick Hall.
- At Rockhurst owned Off-Campus Houses (OCH’s). (Note: scooters are NOT allowed to park in automobile parking spaces or block sidewalks).
Storage
Personal mobility items such as those listed in this policy shall be stored in areas that do not block egress or access. Storage in building lobbies, stairwells, stair towers, corridors and ramps inside or outside of buildings or lined parking spaces is prohibited.
Bicycles shall be parked on campus at places designated by the presence of bicycle racks. Specifically, bicycles, mopeds and motorized and non-motorized scooters must not be parked in automobile parking spaces, on lawn areas, shrub or flower beds, streets, driveways, sidewalks and/or ramps, or in any building. This also includes walkways, trees, handrails, light poles, entrance ways to buildings, public safety equipment, and places that hinder pedestrian travel.
Penalty
The above policy regulations are effective immediately and will be enforced by the University Department of Safety and Security including ticketing of violators. Repeated and/or dangerous violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action by the University as well. Any persons who are not members of the campus community who violate these prohibitions may be cited for Criminal Trespass for continued or repeated violations of these regulations on the campus.
Safety Considerations
Be aware that, while bicycles, mopeds and scooters are a convenient way to get around the University campus and surrounding area, it is vital to ride safely to avoid injury. In particular, campus community members that ride scooters should consider the following safety precautions:
- Be aware of your surroundings, as you may not be seen or heard by other vehicles.
- Drive/Ride defensively. Use common sense; scooters are motorized vehicles, not toys, and should only on the road and remain off sidewalks.
- Be alert for opening car doors, cars and trucks making sudden lane changes, turns or backing.
- Maintain a reasonable distance between you and the cars around you.
- Avoid oil spills and wet roadways; these obstacles can cause you to lose control of any of the listed devices.
- Obey all University and City traffic laws (e.g., stop signs, right of way, and avoid lane sharing) especially when commuting between Rockhurst and UMKC Campus.
- Most important of all: Do not drive under the influence.
- Wait for pedestrians to clear crosswalks; don't try to drive around them.
- A U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet can help prevent serious injury if you are involved in a crash.
- Wear appropriate clothing when riding (i.e., pants, shoes, heavy jacket, etc.). At night wear lighter, more visible clothing.
- Make sure that all required safety equipment (headlights, brake lights, brakes, mirrors, etc.) are in the proper working condition.
- Do not carry a passenger, unless the vehicle is designed to carry two people.
- Do not carry oversized loads.
NOTE: The Missouri licensing and operating laws for motor scooters (under 50cc) are as follows:
Licensing for a moped or motor scooter depends on whether the device meets the definition of a motorized bicycle. The Missouri statute definition of a motorized bicycle is as follows:
"Any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having an automatic transmission and a motor with a cylinder capacity of not more than fifty (50) cubic centimeters, which produces less than three (3) gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than thirty (30) miles per hour on level ground."
A motorized bicycle does not have to be registered with the Missouri Department of Revenue. However, you must have a valid driver license to operate a motorized bicycle on public streets (though no motorcycle endorsement is required). Missouri statute does not require a helmet to be worn when operating a motorized bicycle. However, the use of a helmet is highly recommended. The City of Kansas City, Missouri may require the use of a helmet, in the near future. Note: Keep in mind that no motorized bicycle may be operated on any public thoroughfare located within this state that has been designated as part of the federal interstate highway system.
Definitions
Acrobatics – any action on roller blades, in-line skates, bicycles, or any other human-powered transportation device in which both blades, skates, or wheels are off the ground simultaneously or where the device is being used in a manner not consistent with normal transportation.
Bicycle - a two-wheeled pedal cycle.
In-Line Skates - a type of roller skate with in-line wheels.
Mall – a public area, designated as a pedestrian walkway. (e.g., Quad area, etc.)
Moped - a motorized pedal cycle with operable pedals, a motor rated at 1.5 horsepower or less with a cylinder displacement of less than 50cc's.
Pedal cycle - unicycles, bicycles, and tricycles. Vehicles that are designed to be propelled solely by human power.
Roller Skate - a shoe, or attachment for shoe, with a set of wheels attached for skating.
Scooter (Motorized and Non-Motorized) – any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding and may be powered by an electric motor.
Self-balancing motorized and non-motorized scooters (e.g. Segways) - a self-balancing two-wheeled device with an electric propulsion system designed to transport only one person.
Sidewalk – A paved pathway, commonly used by pedestrians, running parallel to a road or facility.
Skateboard - a board of any length (longboards) mounted on roller skate-type wheels.
Sled - A coasting device with runners designed to slide on ice and snow.