Purdue police provide travel safety tips as new academic year gets underway on West Lafayette campus

As a new academic year gets underway and the West Lafayette campus is bustling once again, the Purdue University Police Department shares some travel safety tips.

“A new year means new life on campus,” Chief Lesley Wiete said. “It is important our students, faculty, staff and visitors put safety first while navigating our busy streets, sidewalks and bicycle paths. We ask that everyone play a small part by simply paying attention to their surroundings.”

PUPD recommends following these safety tips:

Pedestrians

• Walk on sidewalks, not in roadways.
• If there is no sidewalk, use multiuse paths where available.
• Keep alert at all times. Do not be distracted by cell phones.
• Always use crosswalks, marked mid-block crossings and intersections.
• Look for vehicles in all directions.
• Obey pedestrian signals at locations where they are installed.

Bicycles, skateboards and electric or motor-powered vehicles (EMPVs)

• Always wear a helmet.
• Use the roadways according to Indiana State law, West Lafayette city ordinances and Purdue University Parking and Traffic Regulations. Use bike lanes or multiuse paths whenever available.
• Obey bicycle signals at locations where they are installed.
• Keep alert at all times. Do not use cell phones while biking or riding.
• Check your bike, skateboard or EMPV regularly to ensure it has working headlights, taillights and reflectors.

Motor vehicles

• Be aware of pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and EMPV operators.
• Be ready to yield. Know the state laws pertaining to interactions with pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders and EMPV operators at intersections.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk or mid-block crossing.
• Slow down where large groups or children may be present, including near residence halls, dining halls, around apartment complexes, neighborhoods, parks and recreational areas.
• Obey the recently reduced speed limits on and around campus.

Additionally, students, faculty and staff in need of an escort to and from campus buildings for safety purposes may utilize the Safe Walk Program 24 hours a day by calling 765-494-SAFE (7233).

PUPD is part of the Administrative Operations organization. The organization supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Ensuring the Boilermaker family stays safe while traveling across a large, busy campus is just one of many ways the organization powers Purdue.