Policy 509: Campus Walkway Safety
Section: Operating Policies
Sub-Section: General
Policy Number: 509
Subject: Campus Walkway Safety
Origin Date: August 31, 1998
Effective Date: August 31, 1998
Download the PDF File for Policy 509
509.1 PURPOSE
Unsafe conditions occur on campus walkways when wheeled vehicles are operated near pedestrians. This policy establishes regulations for safe operation of vehicles on walkways.
Walkways for pedestrians are the principal means of travel between buildings and activities on the central campus. People should be able to walk on the campus without being threatened by wheeled vehicles. Where possible and practical, the university will provide a safe environment for persons walking the campus and will minimize hazardous conditions.
1.1
In 1997, the Utah Legislature passed House Bill 196 which requires that: a person operating a bicycle or any vehicle or device propelled by human power shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian. A person may not operate a bicycle or any vehicle or device propelled by human power in a negligent manner so as to collide with any pedestrian or other person operating a bicycle or vehicle or device propelled by human power. The University Walkway Safety Policy establishes additional requirements for human powered and motorized vehicles, consistent with Utah Law, to promote safe conditions for pedestrians.
1.2 Definitions
Operator - a person operating a moving vehicle. The operator of a parked vehicle is the person responsible for parking the vehicle.
Pedestrian - any person standing, sitting, reclining, or moving within the Pedestrian Zone.
Pedestrian Zone - an area officially designated as the Pedestrian Zone.
Vehicle - any apparatus or equipment used to transport personnel and/or goods to include, but not limited to cars, trucks, skateboards, in-line skates, bicycles, unicycles, ATVs, and golf carts.
Walkway - any horizontal concrete ground surface or paved surface other than designated roads, service docks, or parking lots within the Pedestrian Zone.
509.2 WALKWAY USE REGULATIONS
2.1 Legitimate Use of Vehicles on Walks
There are some practical and legitimate uses of vehicles on walkways. Buildings and facilities must be operated and maintained. Activities and programs must be serviced. Most of these service functions can be accommodated at existing service docks and service parking located at each building. When an appropriate need can be established, special permits may be issued to operators of vehicles for restricted access on walkways (see 2.3).
Emergency service vehicles (fire, ambulance, police) are permitted on all walks when responding to emergencies.
2.2 Vehicles Prohibited on Walks
The operation of motorcycles or motorized scooters on any walkway is prohibited at all times.
2.3 Operating Permits Required
Permits will be issued to operators (not vehicles) with legitimate need to drive on walkways. When obtaining a permit, operators will read brief instructions on walkway safety and sign a statement acknowledging that any citations will be the personal responsibility of the operator. University funds may not be used for the payment of any citation.
Permits may be issued to operators of vehicles as indicated:
| Type of Operator | Authorized Issuer | Type of Permit Issued |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape and Walk Maintenance | Parking Services | Annual |
| Operation and Maintenance | Parking Services | Annual |
| Construction | Campus Planning and Eng. | Project Duration |
| Bicycles | Parking Services | Lifetime |
| Golf Carts | University Police | Annual |
| Special Events and Activities | Parking Services | Event Duration |
| Regular Delivery of Food/goods | Parking Services | Annual |
| Other | Parking Services | As Determined |
2.4 Pedestrian Zone Established
(1) Vehicles Limited
A Pedestrian Zone is established where the operation of vehicles on walkways will be limited. Only operators possessing a valid permit may operate a vehicle in this area. See attached Pedestrian Zone map which shows the extent of walkways involved. Within the zone, no vehicle (moving or parked) may impede pedestrian movement or cause unsafe conditions on walkways, stairways, or ramps. No vehicle may impede pedestrian access to building entrances or exits.
(2) When within 20 feet of any person, the speed of vehicles shall be no greater than the speed of the majority of moving pedestrians. Operators may not overtake or pass moving pedestrians, except when pedestrians voluntarily yield to vehicles.
(3) All Vehicles Prohibited During Peak Pedestrian Traffic
All vehicles will be prohibited from operating or parking on walks during scheduled class breaks within the Pedestrian Zone from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Except, wheel chairs or other assitive devices, used by persons with disabilities, may be operated at all times when operation conforms to requirements in Speed Limit 2.4(2) Construction and maintenance activities, when involving a walkway, may operate on walkways during class breaks only when the area is secured with construction barriers to prevent access by campus pedestrians.
2.5 Special Regulations for Golf Carts
In addition to the regulations of 2.2, and 2.4(3) golf carts are not to be used for transportation to meetings, breaks, and/or for deliveries. The use of golf carts is limited to service functions where it is impractical to transport tools and equipment using a hand truck. Parking of golf carts is limited to grass or paved areas at least 25 feet from entrances or exits to buildings. Parked carts may not encumber pedestrian movement. Golf carts must be equipped with break lights, turn signals, parking brakes, and keyed starting apparatus. Golf carts are not allowed on walks or crosswalks with a width less than twice the width of the golf cart. Special regulations for golf carts shall apply to all university property. The acquisition of additional golf carts is discouraged.
509.3 ENFORCEMENT
3.1 Operator must possess a permit
Failure to possess a valid permit when operating a vehicle in the Pedestrian Zone will be a moving violation.
3.2 Moving Violations
Illegitimate use of walkways will be a moving violation against the vehicle operator and will be enforceable in the same manner as other traffic violations . Violators will appear in the Logan City Justice Court until a University Judicial System is established. The University Police will patrol the walkways of the Pedestrian Zone. Citations will be issued to offenders.
3.3 Parking Violations
Vehicles, as defined in 1.2, parking in any location other than authorized parking facilities or stalls will be in violation of this policy. Any vehicle that impedes pedestrian traffic or accessways for persons with disabilities such as pedestrian walks, ramps, exits and entrances to buildings, and stairways will be subject to impoundment, towing, and fines according to current parking fine schedules.