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| SCOTT GULLEDGE / Scroll |
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Students need to take note of new adjustments to BYU-Idaho’s campus policies regarding bicycles, in-line skates and skateboards.
Bicycles
According to a press release sent out April 3, “Bicyclists who travel faster than walking speed on university-owned sidewalks are now subject to a $10 university fine issued by a campus security officer.”
The fine is similar to a parking violation, said Capt. Garth Gunderson, of the BYU-I Division of the Rexburg Police Department.
However, if a student refuses to pay attention and starts accumulating a number of those university fines, the security officers can alert a campus police officer, Gunderson said.
The student can then be cited for violation of Rexburg City Ordinance 759. This is a misdemeanor that becomes part of that student’s court records.
Ordinance 759 stipulates that owners of private property accessible to the public (like a parking lot) can make policies for the safety of their public visitors, Gunderson explained.
The only impediment is the Eighth Amendment — receiving due process.
The private property owners must give warning of their safety policies with “legally posted signs or they have to give formal notice — make it part of a housing contract for example,” Gunderson said.
BYU-I has the new policies posted on the university Web site. BYU-I also plans to put the new policies in the student handbook and is working on improving signs.
In-line skates and skateboards
“Rollerblades and skateboards are prohibited on campus,” according to the press release.
Violators will be subject to the same $10 fine issued by a campus security officer and, if necessary, prosecution for Ordinance 759.
“Anyone found using rollerblades or skateboards in a way that defaces campus property is subject to a $50 university fine and/or possible criminal prosecution under Idaho law,” according to the press release.
If someone causes damage or malicious injury to campus property, they can be held responsible for either civil or criminal prosecution, said Capt. Randy Lewis, of the Rexburg Police Department.
The violator could be brought to civil court by the school, and might be fined to fix any damage he or she caused.
