Purdue Police Department offers tips for safe travel in West Lafayette and Indianapolis

The Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) is providing tips for safe travel in both West Lafayette and Indianapolis.

“Welcoming thousands of students to begin a new academic year is always exciting,” said Chief Lesley Wiete. “That said, our goal is to help not only students, but also faculty, staff and visitors travel safely to and across campus. Providing practical information and raising awareness can help everyone safely navigate high-volume pedestrian and traffic areas.”

PUPD offers the following travel guidance:

Pedestrians

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

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 Parking and Traffic Regulations (West Lafayette only). All EMPVs must be registered with Parking Operations.
• Use bike lanes or multi-use 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 mid-block crossing.
• Slow down where large groups, children or students may be present, including near residence halls, dining halls, 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 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For West Lafayette, call 765-494-SAFE (7233). For Indianapolis, call 371-274-SAFE (7233). Additionally, the Safe Ride with Lyft program is available for students in Indianapolis.

PUPD is part of Administrative Operations, which supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Be sure to follow @purdueoperations on Instagram and Purdue Administrative Operations on Facebook for safety and travel updates.