The University installed bicycle racks in the City Hall parking garage last month to alleviate congestion in the residence hall’s lobby and entrance.

Students are required to use the two new bike racks, instead of chaining their bikes to handrails or posts. Bikes in violation will be confiscated by the University Police Department.

“Residents of City Hall have been notified that abandoned bicycles will be removed by [UPD],” Director of Community Relations Britany Waddell said in an e-mail. Waddell said the bike rack installation “has reduced the amount of bikes being left in front of the property,” though Thursday two bikes were seen locked to a street sign and a pole outside City Hall, located on 24th Street.

Waddell also said the University may install additional bike racks near the entrance of the building.

University spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard said UPD removes bikes that are locked to fixed objects and are hazards.

“Examples of such hazards include instances when bicycles are locked to wheelchair access hand railings, stair hand rails, are blocking the ingress or egress of any campus building, or are blocking any access ramp or narrow pedestrian walkway on University owned or controlled property,” Sherrard said.

Moe Kamara, a property manager for GW, said he helped set up the new bike racks and put up signs around City Hall to notify residents of the policy change.

“It’s a constant problem for us,” Kamara said, adding that between eight and 20 bikes used to be left in the lobby and exterior of the building.

Last semester saw an increase in bike thefts around campus, with about eight locked bikes stolen from the Law School quad by the end of September. UPD Chief Kevin Hay said in September that on average four or five bikes are stolen each month.

Amy D’Onofrio contributed to this report