This online bicycle registration form is intended to make it easy to register your bicycle from your home, office, or residence hall. Students, faculty, and staff can register their bicycles by filling out the appropriate registration form below. After the bicycle registration form is completed, a copy will be kept in the Winthrop University Police Department database. At the end of the registration process you will also be allowed to print a copy of the information you have provided us for your records. You also can register a bicycle by stopping by our office in the Good Building, 526 Myrtle Drive; you will need to bring the bicycle with you. These records should be kept in a safe place for future reference. This service is free.
In order to complete the registration process the bicycle's distinctive serial number, located on the bicycle, must be supplied. Do you need help locating your bicycle's serial number? (pdf - 2.04 MB)
If your bike is stolen, contact the Winthrop University Police Department immediately at 803/323-3333 to file a report.
The bike registration program was developed to provide the community with a vital crime prevention tool. The benefits of bike registration are that it can effectively assist in reducing theft on campus for the following reasons:
When a bicycle is registered with the Winthrop University Police Department, the registration number is stored in a database with the Winthrop University Police Department, along with the owner's name and contact information so that he or she can be easily notified, if the bicycle is recovered.
A registered bike may contribute to a higher rate of conviction for those apprehended with it in their possession.
A registered bike makes it easier for law enforcement officials to return it to the rightful owner if it is lost or stolen and increase your chances for recovery of your bicycle if it is stolen.
Law enforcement agencies often have a difficult time determining if a recovered item of value was stolen because owners had not recorded the serial numbers.
A bicycle with a registered serial number, if found, may aid officers in establishing the bike was stolen even though it had not yet been reported.
The most important step to take against bike theft is to lock it securely and correctly whenever you leave it, even if you are just going into a building for a short time.
How many times have you thought, "I'll only be a minute" and left your bike outside a neighborhood store or campus building, unprotected? Unless it is an emergency, take the time and lock up your bike correctly.
Most of the bicycles stolen are either UNLOCKED or had been secured with POOR QUALITY LOCKS at the time of the theft. Remember that bikes are easy targets for thieves because they're usually lightweight, easy to get to, and can even be used to help thieves make quick getaways.
The Winthrop University Police Department recommends a U-type lock, which is harder to cut or break than the chain and lock cable locks. Use of inexpensive locks will not deter a thief; spend the extra money now for a better lock to avoid replacing your bicycle in the future.
Bicycles must be stored in proper bicycle racks. Be sure to lock the frame and the tires to the bicycle rack, not just one or the other. Often, a thief will take a tire from one improperly locked bicycle and the frame from another. Bicycle parking is available throughout the campus and is designated by the presence of bicycle racks. Securing bicycles to fences, light poles, signs, or trees is prohibited.
Check your bicycle frequently for worn or damaged parts. Regularly inspect and adjust the seat bolts, handlebars, brakes, reflectors, pedals, wheels, chains, tires, and spokes. Have your bicycle repaired or inspected by a professional if you are unfamiliar with bicycle maintenance.
When operating your bicycle, be sure to wear an approved bicycle safety helmet. Use proper lights and reflectors, and follow all bicycle operation safety rules.
Ride with traffic on the same side of the street. Obey all traffic signs and signals. Whenever a bicycle is operated on a sidewalk, the operator must yield to all pedestrians and wheelchairs. Excessive speed or reckless operation of a bicycle on a sidewalk shall constitute a violation of these rules.
When operating at dusk, dawn, or dark, be sure your bicycle is equipped with a functional white light in front and red light or reflector in the rear and wear reflective clothing.
