Purdue police provide travel safety tips for both West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations

The Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) is providing travel safety tips for both the West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations as a new academic year gets underway.

“This time of year is always exciting as we welcome thousands of students to both locations,” said Chief Lesley Wiete. “We want to ensure our students — along with faculty, staff and visitors — are safe while traveling to or across our campuses. One way we can help achieve that is by spreading information and awareness on how to best navigate a bustling campus environment.”

PUPD recommends following these travel safety tips:

Pedestrians

• Walk on sidewalks, not in roadways.
• Use multiuse paths, where available, if there is no sidewalk.
• Keep alert at all times. Do not be distracted by cellphones.
• Always use crosswalks, marked midblock crossings and intersections.
• Look for vehicles in all directions.
• Obey pedestrian signals at locations where they are installed.
• Reference the Preferred Pedestrian Walking Routes map for the Indianapolis location.

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

• Always wear a helmet.
• Use the roadways according to Indiana state law, West Lafayette city ordinances, Indianapolis Pedestrian and Bike Safety Policies, and the Purdue University Traffic and Parking Regulations (West Lafayette only). Please note the recent updates to the regulations regarding EMPV registration and storage requirements.
• 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 cellphones 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 midblock crossing.
• Slow down where large groups or children may be present, including near residence halls and dining halls, and around apartment complexes, neighborhoods, parks and recreational areas.
• Obey speed limits on and around campus.

Students, faculty and staff in need of an escort to and from campus buildings may utilize the Safe Walk Program on both campuses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For West Lafayette, call 765-494-SAFE (7233). Those at the Indianapolis location can call 317-274-SAFE (7233).

PUPD is part of the Administrative Operations organization. The organization supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Providing the campus community with valuable tips to travel safely across the busy West Lafayette and Indianapolis locations is just one of many ways the organization powers Purdue.