HUPD to Seize Chained Bikes

Harvard Police are clamping down on students who violate University rules by chaining their bicycles to handicap ramps, railings or the insides of buildings.

Starting next Friday, the police will confiscate any bikes illegally parked, and donate them to Phillips Brooks House Association for auctioning if they are not reclaimed in 30 days. Jack W. Morse, deputy chief of police, said the department decided to enforce the rules more strictly because students were complaining about violators.

"The problem is redundant," Morse said, adding that the problem starts up again each fall.

Morse added that the department is currently distributing flyers around campus to notify students about the new measures.

Blocking the Handicapped

"We're trying to give them good warning in advance," he said.

Morse said the department was particularly concerned with the problems illegally parked bikes pose to handicapped students. According to Morse, police officers found that handicapped students who ride bicycles were not able to lock their bikes in specially designated spots because other students had already locked their bikes there.

Morse conceded that most illegally parked cyclists are probably unaware that they violate the rules.

In the Yard yesterday, students and faculty interviewed said they understood the rationale for the ordinance but were angry because it is already tough to find space to park bicycles.

Outside Harvard Hall, Joanne M. Nelson '93 said the University should provide more racks. Now, she said, she usually must lock her bike to fences or poles because there is no space elsewhere.

Nelson added that she was unaware the University designated specific bicycle racks for the handicapped.

Jon D. Zinman '93 agreed with Nelson, saying, "It sucks because we need more bike racks." He said the problem is especially severe because many of the smaller racks are not made for the kryptonite locks he and other bicyclists use.