Bike Safety and Registration
The Bike Patrol Program
The Public Safety Officer Bike Patrol Program, launched in October 2017, patrols MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston grounds in the Texas Medical Center.
The Bike Patrol Program aims to enhance our department's health and safety initiatives as outlined in our Combined Protection Model and serves as an added security presence during peak traffic hours. Their high visibility aims to deter crime in the area and promote greater interaction with the community. Bike Patrol staff engages in community outreach efforts and promotes UT Police.
The team also increases the department's coverage in areas where access by patrol vehicles is limited. Parks, alleys, parking lots and garages are just a few areas where bike patrols more easily maneuver.
MD Anderson areas of focus include the Main Building, Mid Campus, South Campus and the Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan Building for Personalized Cancer Care. UTHealth Houston areas of focus include UTHealth Housing and large gathering areas adjacent to the UTHealth schools.
All Public Safety Officers in the program have been certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association, a premier organization for public safety cyclists.
General Safety: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety
This course provides faculty, staff and students with an overview of state and local laws regarding bicycling and walking. The course is designed to highlight situations that the user will encounter in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), as well as pertinent information for bicycle commuters to the TMC. With safety as our number one priority, this course is designed for everyone regardless of how you commute around the TMC.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course attendees will be able to:
- Know what laws are applicable to pedestrians and bicyclists
- Discuss some of the top hazards cyclist need to be alert for
- Learn proper locking techniques for your bike
- Learn about resources and advocacy groups in the Houston area
Institutional Resources
MD Anderson workforce members and students may complete the following form to request access to the MD Anderson Bike Storage Centers and Racks. The Pickens Tower, the Mid-Campus Building 1, and Zayed Building all feature showers and lockers for bike riders.
*Please note: For MD Anderson Workforce Members and Students Only. MD Anderson workforce members and students must complete bike registration online at www.project529.com before requesting access to MD Anderson Bike Centers. Incomplete bike storage access requests may result in your request not being processed. UT Police uses the project529.com database to locate missing bicycles.
UTHealth Medical School Building occupants have automatic access to the Medical School bike barn. At this moment, there is no other bike storage for UTHealth Houston students, employees, faculty and staff. Even so, UTHealth Houston students, faculty and staff who commute to campus are encouraged to complete bike registration at www.project529.com.
*UT Police uses the project529.com database to locate missing bicycles.
Bike Safety Resources
- Bicycle Safety resources from the Texas Department of Transportation
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Bike Safety
- TXDOT Pedestrian Safety Tips
- METRO Pedestrian Safety Tips
Commuting Resources
- Google Maps | Use the bicycle route planning feature
- Bike Houston | Non-profit advocacy group offering Maps and other resources
- METRO | Tips for bringing your bike on the METRO
- League of American Bicyclists | Bike security, commuting tips and guidance
- Health Benefits of Cycling
- UT Police Bike Safety Flyer
Additional Resources
Upcoming Classes
General audience safety classes are offered regularly to MD Anderson and UTHealth employees and students. Departments and work groups can also request safety classes.
*Please Note: UT Police Safety Classes are offered to MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston students and workforce members only. Other community members please check your local agencies for similar offerings.