Bikes are usually impounded because they lack registration or have an expired registration, but they can also be impounded if they’re inoperable, unlocked, locked in the wrong place or in the way of construction, manager of the MSU Bikes and Service Center, Tim Potter, said.

Last summer, the MSU Parking Office impounded roughly 1,600 bikes — a similar yield to many past years, Potter said.

Impound crews started collecting bikes last week, Potter said. The bikes they take are the ones tagged with a notice of an ordinance violation that, if not corrected, will result in impoundment.

The impound crews are part of a summer sweep which usually lasts roughly two to three weeks, Dawn Mazur, a parking enforcement supervisor for the office, said.

In the evening hours, when many aren't around, these crews operate.

“We are doing a night impoundment, starting at 4 p.m.," Mazur said. "We try to miss visitors."

Mazur said they don’t do sweeps during the school year, and usually only impound bikes if a complaint is made.

Of 10 students interviewed, all said their bikes have never been impounded and some said they'd be surprised if someone’s had, because permits are free and easy to get.

Potter was positive about the bike sweeps, saying it keeps campus cleaner and more attractive, all the while providing space for those actively using their bikes.

“It helps keep the bike parking available for people that really need bike parking,” he said.

Potter stressed that it’s important to have the bike permit where it’s supposed to be — on the frame under the seat — or the impound crew may not see it and impound it anyway. 

Students can still get their impounded bikes back, but they will have to buy a new lock and may face a fee, according to the MSU police website.

Impounded bikes are kept in the impound lot for at least 30 days and usually no longer than two to three months, Mazur said.

If not claimed, the bike is handed over to the MSU Surplus Store and sold to the public, Potter said.