Operation Identification

Operation Identification is a theft prevention program offered free of charge by the ETSU Police Department.  This program involves keeping records of your personal propertys serial number and a detailed description of the item.  By completing the registration fields below, ETSU PD will maintain this personal item information. 

After submitting this form, ETSU PD will receive an electronic version of your item information.  This is the first step in the registration process.   The completion of this form is a positive step toward theft recovery; however, we also recommend continuing the registration process.  Once the form is filed, bring your property to ETSU PD to have a registration sticker applied and / or have your item engraved.  This last step may aid in theft prevention and supplement theft recovery.

For Bicycle Registrations

As a cyclist, you have responsibilities to yourself, to motorists you will interact with, and to pedestrians you are sure to encounter every time you ride your bike. Taking time to familiarize yourself with a few basic guidelines will help keep the ETSU roadways safe for everyone.

 What do Tennessee state laws say about bicycles?

 Over view of Bike Safety

1. Obey all traffic signs and ride on the correct side of the road.
2. Ride smart - choose your lane positioning based upon immediate conditions.
3. Ride predictably and signal your intentions.
4. Be courteous; yield to pedestrians, announce your presence and intentions.
5. If you ride at night, use a light!
6. Protect your thought process-always wear a helmet.

According to Tennessee Code Annotated, 55-8-175, traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles. Although not defined as a vehicle, a bicyclist upon a roadway shall have all the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle operator. On the road you are not a pedestrian; you are considered a vehicle and must operate your bicycle in compliance with all applicable traffic regulations.

Riding in Traffic: Lanes, Intersections and Roundabouts

Riding right begins with riding on the right. A bicyclist upon a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. You make the decision as to where in the lane it is safe to ride at any given time. Ride as far to the right as you feel it is safe to ride-considering pavement, traffic, and weather conditions. But

Don't be afraid to "take the lane" when needed. When you ride in traffic, control your lane by occupying it properly. This will eliminate the opportunity for vehicles to illegally pass you and also helps you avoid the bad pavement often found at the edge of your lane. It makes you much more visible to traffic passing you in both directions. One of the most common causes of bicycling injury is when a motorist "cuts off" or turns in front of the cyclist. You can eliminate this hazard by maintaining a proper lane position.

Do not pass vehicles from behind on the right, especially at intersections. At traffic signals, wait your turn. It is illegal for you to pass other stopped vehicles to move to the front of the line. If you occupy a space next to a right-turning vehicle and are struck, you are at fault. At some locations on campus, you may find it is better to dismount and walk your bike with the flow of pedestrians. Additionally, when a bike encounters another bike head-on, it should always pass on the right.

There are two important rules to remember when approaching a traffic circle or "roundabout": Always ride counterclockwise through the circle Always yield right-of-way to any bike or vehicle already in the circle

Hand Signals for Cyclists

Use hand signals to indicate left turns, right turns, or that you are slowing or stopping. When turning, you must signal continuously at least 100 feet before the turn and while you are stopped, waiting to turn, unless use of your hand is needed to control your bicycle.

When cyclists encounter pedestrians, they should be courteous and announce their presence and their intentions with catchy phrases such as: 

• "Passing"
• "On your left"
• "Behind you"

Peaceful Coexistence with Pedestrians

Sidewalks on the ETSU campus were developed for foot traffic-not cyclists. There is often too little space for pedestrians and cyclists to share.Ride on the sidewalks only when you have no other alternative. Just like in a car, a cyclist must give pedestrians the right-of-way. However, pedestrians should remember that a bike cannot stop as quickly as they can.

 Why Wear a Bicycle Helmet?

Riding without a bicycle helmet significantly increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted riders. The rigid crushable foam inside a helmet prevents banging the brain against the inside of the skull.

Protect your thought process -wear a helmet when you ride your bike-always!

See and Be Seen

A bicycle used at nighttime must be equipped with a headlamp and rear red reflector. A lamp emitting a red light may be used to supplement the rear reflector

Operation Identification Registration

Your email submission acknowledges that you are providing this information to the ETSU Police Department for participation in Operation Identification.  Registration information will be maintained with the PD for four (4) years.  Please keep a duplicate copy for your records.  Contact (423) 439-4480 if you have any questions, or to schedule a time to complete the registration process.