REG - 01.04.6 Operations of Motorcycles and Non-Motor Vehicles
1. Introduction
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Department of Police and Public Safety enforces applicable NC General Statues for the operations of motor vehicles on and around NCCU, as well as setting the standards for the use of non-motor vehicle personal transportation, such as (but not limited to) bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all motorcycles and non-motor vehicle personal transportation devices operated on and around campus by faculty, staff, students, visitors, and all other personnel transiting campus areas.
3. Definitions
3.1 Citations: for violations of NCGS Chapter 20, such as (but not limited to) parking in Handicapped/ADA parking areas without a valid credential. Only sworn police officers can issue citations. For parking violations where Chapter 20 is applicable, the officer may issue a citation or an NCCU ticket, at their discretion.
3.2 Electric-assisted bicycle (E-bike): a bicycle with two or three wheels that is equipped with a seat or saddle for use by the rider, fully operable pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a level surface when powered solely by such a motor is no greater than 20 miles per hour. E-bikes meeting this definition shall abide by the rules for bicycles. If the motor is larger than 750 watts, and/or the vehicle is capable of greater than 20 miles per hour, it is considered a motor bike.
3.3 Low-speed vehicle: a four-wheel vehicle whose top speed is less than 19 miles per hour. These vehicles include, but are not limited to, golf carts, golf cart-type utility vehicles and gator-type utility vehicles.
3.4 Motorcycle, motor bike or scooter: any motorized two- or three-wheeled vehicle capable of carrying a rider requiring North Carolina motor vehicle registration and licensing.
3.5 Personal assistive mobility device: a self-balancing device, designed to transport one person, with a propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour or less. This includes, but is not limited to, electric wheelchairs and Segways.
3.6 Scooters/Mopeds: NC Department of Motor Vehicles defines scooters (to include electric scooters) and mopeds the same way, in that they are two- or three-wheeled with a motor/engine no larger than 50 cubic centimeters, without an external shifting device, and cannot exceed 30 miles per hour. If the vehicle exceeds these requirements, it is classified and registered as a motorcycle, and operators must be licensed to operate them according to the NC General Statutes.
3.7 Tickets: for violations not covered by NCGS Chapter 20, NCCU Police or non-sworn parking enforcement officers may issue tickets. Fees/charges for NCCU tickets, usually involving parking, will be administered according to NCCU Policy 01.04.11.
3.8 Trick riding: riding skateboards, roller-skates, in-line skates, bicycles, or other personal transportation devices such that the wheels are removed from contact with a surface in a repetitive procedure.
4. Motorcycles, Motor Bikes, and Mopeds/Scooters
4.1 Motorcycles, motor bikes, and mopeds/scooters must operate according to all applicable NC General Statutes while on campus and on campus-adjacent areas, to include operators wearing helmets meeting required standards. Operators may be cited/ticketed for failure to comply with applicable NC General Statutes and applicable NCCU policies.
4.2 All of these vehicles must operate with proper muffling devices.
4.3 Per the definition of an e-bike above, if the vehicle motor is larger than 750 watts and/or is capable of greater than 20 miles per hour, it is considered a motor bike and rules within this section are applicable.
4.4 Per NCCU Parking Policy (01.04.11), these vehicles must adhere to all NCCU parking rules.
5. Bicycles and Electric-Assisted Bicycles (E-Bikes)
5.1 Per the definition of e-bikes above, which are equipped with an electric motor of no more than 750 watts, whose maximum speed on a level surface when powered solely by such a motor is no greater than 20 miles per hour, shall abide by the rules for bicycles.
5.2 Bicycle and e-bike operators will observe and comply with traffic regulations (to include bicycle lanes).
5.3 In addition to applicable traffic regulations, bicycles and e-bikes:
5.3.1 Shall not be operated on NCCU sidewalks
5.3.2 Will not be operated in excess of 15 miles per hour
5.3.3 Shall not conduct trick riding anywhere on campus
5.3.4 Must be parked and/or secured only to bicycle racks. Bicycles and e-bikes found in the following areas are subject to immediate impoundment:
5.3.4.1 Next to a yellow curb
5.3.4.2 On the sidewalk
5.3.4.3 In a driveway
5.3.4.4 Against trees or posts, to include signposts and NCCU Blue Light devices
5.3.4.5 On stairways or leaning against or attached to handrails
5.3.4.6 In hallways or classrooms
5.3.4.7 In building entrances or alcoves
5.3.4.8 Any manner that could impede the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
5.3.4.9 Signposts
5.3.5 Cyclists are permitted, though not encouraged, to operate their vehicles in campus pedestrian safety zones provided that:
5.3.5.1 Pedestrians are given the right of way
5.3.5.2 Vehicles are operated at speeds that do not endanger pedestrian or cyclist safety
5.3.5.3 Vehicles are dismounted in areas of pedestrian congestion
6. Skateboards, Roller Skates, and In-Line Skates
6.1 “Trick Riding,” Skateboards, roller skates and in-line skates are prohibited for use on NCCU property due to the inherent destruction of property that may result from such activities.
6.2 Violations of this policy by students, faculty, staff, or visitors may result in enforcement action in accordance with current University guidelines, including, but not limited to, parking citations, fees, vehicle immobilization, towing, account holds, and referral to state collections. Students may also be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Employee violations may result in disciplinary action in accordance with applicable Human Resources policies and review procedures.
6.3 Non-NCCU-associated violators may be trespassed from the University.
6.3.1 Future violations or failure to leave the campus may result in an arrest for trespassing.
6.3.2 The skateboard, roller skates, or in-line skates may be seized for use as evidence in a criminal proceeding.
7. Low-speed Vehicles
7.1 Low-speed vehicles, such as golf carts and gators, owned by NCCU and operated by NCCU personnel (or approved contractors and vendors operating on-campus) must adhere to operating rules for the class of vehicles.
7.1.1 NCCU personnel and/or approved contractors/vendors operating these vehicles are responsible for the vehicle and the safety of passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
7.1.2 NCCU personnel found operating these vehicles illegally and/or in an unsafe manner may be ticketed and/or referred to their supervisors for administrative actions.
7.1.3 Approved contractors and/or vendors found operating these vehicles illegally and/or in an unsafe manner may have been prohibited from operating these vehicles on campus and having the vehicles removed or impounded.
7.2 NCCU and approved contractor/vendor low-speed vehicles are exempt from this policy and rules applicable to operations of private motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles insofar as needed to access and perform their duties. For example, they may operate on university sidewalks and pedestrian pathways and park in grassy areas. Contractors and vendors must follow any guidelines provided to them by NCCU personnel for the use of, and areas operated within, NCCU and only for the performance of the outlined work and/or services.
7.2.1 Departments requiring this type of access for contractors or vendors must contact the Office of Parking Services in advance of the contractor/vendor arriving on campus to coordinate access, expectations, and any applicable restrictions.
7.2.2 Contractors and vendors must follow all guidelines provided by NCCU personnel regarding the use of low-speed vehicles and the areas in which they may operate. Such use is permitted only for the performance of approved work and/or services.