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Bike Safety at the NIH

​​Biking to work is a great way to maintain your health and lower your carbon footprint. The added benefits are less stress from dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic and the headache of searching for a parking space. Here are a few helpful tips and friendly reminders to maintain a safe riding environment on the Bethesda main campus.

Tips

  • There are various bike racks and bike lockers throughout the campus. Many of these bike racks and lockers are located conveniently near buildings or in a nearby parking garage. Please visit the following NIH website for a map illustrating the locations of bike racks and lockers on campus: https://www.ors.od.nih.gov/maps/Pages/Bicycle-Racks-Lockers-Map.aspx.
  • A friendly reminder that bikes are only permitted to be parked or secured at bike racks or in bike lockers. Bikes and bike locks are not permitted to be secured to light poles, railings or other objects other than bike racks or lockers. The bike lockers are free for all to use. Securing your lock on an empty bike locker is prohibited and is inconsiderate for those who want to use the bike locker when it is empty.
  • Bikes are not permitted to remain on campus overnight. Bikes left for several days or show indication that they have not been moved in several days will be considered abandoned. Abandoned bikes are subject to the lock being cut and the bike removed. For more information, please visit the NIH Bike Policy at: https://policymanual.nih.gov/1411.
  • In the state of Maryland, bikes are considered vehicles and must obey all traffic signs and devices. For example, coming to a stop at a stop sign. Failure to obey stop signs and other traffic control devices could lead to a fine ranging from $80 to $120. In addition, entering an intersection without due regard may put you in an unsafe predicament with a motor vehicle or pedestrian resulting in injuries or property damage.
  • In Montgomery County, bikes are permitted to ride on sidewalks but must yield right-of-way to pedestrians.
  • Last, but not least, a friendly reminder to prevent bike theft on and off campus -- never leave your bike unsecured. Always lock your bike to a bike rack or secure it in a bike locker.

Please help us to pass the word. Let's work together to maintain a safe and friendly work environment.

If you have any questions, please contact:

The NIH Community Policing Office

Office: (301) 496-3020

Email: NIHCommunityPolicingOffice@mail.nih.gov


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