'U' effort removes abandoned bicycles

In order to quell complaints that junky, abandoned bikes are an eyesore, the University's Housing Security Services is continuing their effort to clear bike racks around the University. Officers started the annual clearing about two weeks before winter term.

Security officers have been informed by UHSS to ticket bikes showing any signs of continued neglect, such as rusted chains, missing pedals or bent tires.

UHSS considers such property to be "abandoned", and allows those who receive tickets 48 hours to remove their bikes to another location. If a ticketed bike is not moved, Housing Security said it will be impounded, taking it to the North Campus Housing Facility Storage Area.

Joel Allan, manager of housing services, said he regrets being the "bad guy" in the situation, but said he has to comply with University policies.

Allan said he would like students to take responsibility for their property, saying he would like "them to follow policy and not" have "to force them to follow policy. We prefer not to cut (the locks)."

After the bikes are impounded they will linger at the storage area for at least 30 more days after which time the Property Disposition department will put them up for sale.

Bikes blocking vehicular or pedestrian traffic may be ticketed along with bikes that are unregistered. Bikes which are registered with the city of Ann Arbor have an easily spotted reflective sticker on them.

Allan said most students haven't registered their bikes with the city of Ann Arbor. He also said that, although he can't speak for all of his officers, only unused looking bikes will be ticketed. Unregistered, but nice-looking bikes, should be left alone, although some decent bikes have been impounded, he said.

Owners of impounded bikes do not have to pay a fine to reclaim their bike, although owners of impounded, unregistered bikes might receive a lecture for not having registered their bikes, Allan said.

If a bike without the registration sticker is stolen and is later found by police agencies, like the Department of Public Safety or the Ann Arbor Police Department, then there is no corresponding proof to return the bike to the owner.

Housing Security provides a table at Festifall where students can register their bikes. Additionally, bikes can be registered at City Hall anytime.

Shirley Cowan, secretary at the Hill-area Building Operations office, said she is glad they are being removed.

She said the actions of UHSS "has improved the appearance of the building, getting all those raggedy bikes out of the way."

05-17-99