The University of Michigan will begin removing abandoned bicycles from bike racks on the Ann Arbor campus this spring.

Starting March 20, the U-M Grounds Department will place brightly colored tags on bikes that appear to be abandoned. Deteriorated tires, bent rims, rusted or broken chains, frozen brakes, cables or shifters will be used as indicators that a bike is abandoned.

Random bicycle parts such as individual tires will not be tagged and will be removed immediately.

“Bicycle parking on campus is intended for short-term use,” said Kenneth Rapp, university landscape architect.

“Approximately 20 percent of bike parking spaces on campus are used up by abandoned bikes. By removing these bikes, it helps ensure that the maximum number of bike spaces are available for active bicyclists to use.”

During the tagging process, the Grounds Department staff will photograph the bicycle, and record its location, model and color, and the serial number or registration, if available. This information will then be turned over to the U-M Police Department.

Bicycles that are tagged will remain in place until May 15.

Tagged bikes left on campus after May 15 will be considered abandoned and will be removed by the Grounds Department. Removal will include cutting any locking device necessary to remove the bike. No compensation will be made for locks that have been cut after the bike has been determined abandoned.

Bicycles with identifying features will be taken to a storage area where they will be kept for 30 days after the start of fall classes.

Once this 30-day period has passed, any abandoned bikes that remain will be removed. Usable bikes or parts will be taken to Property Disposition or will be given to a local reuse program. Unusable metal parts will be recycled.

Bike owners that may need to retrieve their bicycles should contact the U-M Police Department.