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Cornell University

Cycling on Campus

Biking at Cornell

Cycling is an excellent way to get to and around campus, and navigating Ithaca’s hills is easy with TCAT’s free bike rack program.

Getting Started:

Cornell has a campus policy that prohibits bicycling, Segway use, and in-line skating on campus sidewalks and pathways unless it is a marked, shared path. As a rule, if it's not a roadway and it isn't marked with yellow paint, it's a dismount zone. No motorized skateboard, e-scooters or similar motorized wheeled devices may be propelled on any sidewalk. These devices may be operated on roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less. Only NYSDOT approved vehicles allowed on roadways.

  • White markings are exclusive bike lanes. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. In most cases, bike lanes and bike routes on roadways, driveways, and parking lots will take you to your destination.
  • Yellow markings denote shared walks. Cyclists and skaters may ride on these paths, but must yield to pedestrians. 
  • Red or no markings are dismount zones. Cyclists and skaters must either dismount and walk or circumvent the area using bike lanes (cyclists only), bike routes (cyclists only), and shared walks.

Note on Electric Scooters and Dockless Bikeshare

New York now allows electric scooters and bikes on roadways with a posted speed limit of 30 MPH or less. Be sure to follow the e-scooter and e-bike rules of the road, and yield to pedestrians. 

Users of Ithaca’s community bike share program must note Cornell requires that all bikes be parked at a bike rack.

Ecology Alert

Portions of the Cornell Botanic Gardens, the City's Six Mile Gorge, and other public lands have been posted off limits to bicycles. Please abide by these restrictions and use common sense whenever you bicycle. Misuse of bicycles can cause environmental damage in some fragile, natural areas.

Requirements:

  • Follow safe cycling guidelines.
  • Obey all path and pavement markings.
  • Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • Must Register your bicycle here. There is no charge for registration. 
  • Bicycles must be parked at bike racks or in bike storage areas.
  • Never leave or park your bike or other wheeled vehicle in Life Safety Zones such as fire hydrants, fire lanes, or other emergency zones, or in any service drive, building entrance, walkway ramp, or any other passageway to which emergency equipment, wheelchairs, pedestrians, or service equipment may need access.
  • Bicycles may be parked inside a building only with the written permission of the building coordinator or director. Remember: avoid hallways, stairwells, and any place where they may constitute a safety hazard. Any bicycle parked in violation of these regulations or in a manner such as to constitute a safety hazard may be impounded.