Campus Safety Rules for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Virginia Tech's central campus is designed to be convenient for pedestrian traffic. There are very few places that can't be walked to in 15 minutes or less. In this respect, Virginia Tech is dedicated to making its campus as safe as possible to everyone on foot. Unfortunately, all the crosswalks, signs, and police presence in the world won't make a difference without your help. Please, follow a few easy steps to ensure that you stay safe and ensure the safety of others on campus.
- The Virginia Tech Campus has crosswalks in place in most areas of heavy foot traffic. They are there for a reason. They provide a warning to oncoming cars that people will be crossing the street in these areas so they can be more vigilant. Crosswalks are also flanked by safety zones, areas where cars are not allowed to park. These ensure that oncoming traffic can see pedestrians waiting to cross or who have just entered the crosswalk.
- Don't cross the road in any area that does not have a crosswalk. Not only is this jaywalking, which is against the law, but you are entirely unprotected because drivers have no idea you will be in the roadway.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. We've all been taught this lesson since childhood, and it still applies today. Even at a crosswalk, make sure you stop and check for oncoming traffic. Don't just assume that drivers see you. If an oncoming vehicle doesn't appear to be slowing down for you, wait for it to pass or to see you and stop. You have the right of way once you enter a crosswalk, not when you're standing on the curb before entering one. Remember: you may have the right of way, but that won't stop a 2000 lb car going 25 mph from seriously injuring you if you walk right out in front of it.
- Never enter a crosswalk if an emergency vehicle is approaching with its flashing lights or flashing lights and siren activated.
When operating a motor vehicle on campus, it is important to keep in mind that you are sharing the road with several thousand pedestrians. Please remember these tips to ensure the safety of everyone on our roads:
- When approaching a crosswalk, slow down and look to see if anyone is crossing, or standing on the sides of the roadway waiting to enter the crosswalk.
- Pedestrians may be hard to see if there are vehicles parked nearby or if it is dark/foggy/rainy out, so be extra careful.
- Remain alert when driving on campus. Crosswalks don't do anyone any good if you don't see them because you are distracted.
- Don't travel above the posted speed limits on campus. Speeding is not only a sure way to get a ticket, it's also harder to see pedestrians and react to them if you're going too fast.
- Don't park in the striped areas beside crosswalks. They are there to help other drivers see pedestrians, not for parking. Avoid a parking ticket and stay out of these spots. (Parking here with your four-way flashers blinking isn't okay, either. It makes you a distraction as well as an obstruction to other drivers.)
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