Safety
Campus Safety Initiatives
The University of Colorado is committed to improving all aspects of pedestrian, vehicular, bicycle, and skateboard safety. To achieve this, a Pedestrian Safety Committee consisting of representatives from many campus departments including PTS was formed in 2006. In the spring of 2010, the committee released a report regarding transportation safety and recommendations to improve it on the CU-Boulder campus. Please scroll down this page for information on our feedback form, emergency telephones, and more.
Feedback - Incident Form
If you have recently been involved--or almost involved--in a traffic incident on campus, please fill out our incident report form. Although we may not respond directly to you, our staff will use this information to target future safety messages. Thank you.
Emergency telephones
You can use the emergency telephones, situated in strategic locations around campus and in the parking structures to report crimes in progress, suspicious persons, medical emergencies, or concerns about your personal safety. Do not hesitate to use an emergency telephone if you feel unsafe. Large “Emergency” signs identify these telephones, and marker lights illuminate them at night. For a listing of emergency post locations, visit http://www.colorado.edu/police/safety/emergency-telephones.html.
On Foot
Walking paths are sometimes shared with service vehicles, bicycles and skateboards. While traveling on foot is a great way to get around campus, we care about your safety. Please be mindful of your surroundings and considerate of others to avoid potential accidents. Many campus pathways have dedicated pedestrian lanes for your safety.
The City of Boulder has installed a "High-intensity Activated Crosswalk" - or HAWK system, that connects the Engineering Center with Regent Autopark. The HAWK signal works in conjunction with the traffic signal at Colorado and Regent to ensure vehicular traffic interruptions are minimized. For further information regarding the operation and enforcement of the HAWK signal, visit the UC Boulder Police Department's website.
Bike Safety
We encourage bike riding as an effective means of getting around. For your safety, and for the safety of others, please comply with UC Boulder, state, and municipal regulations and codes pertaining to bicycling.
To help stay safe while riding your bike:
- Buy a helmet and use it!
- Wear your helmet properly. A good helmet should fit snugly and not be able to slide off the front or back of your head. Replace any helmet that has been in a crash.
- Lights and reflectors are required at night in Boulder. They help you see and help others see you. Make sure your bike has reflectors on all sides.
- When crossing a street in a crosswalk or riding on university sidewalks, you must be traveling at pedestrian speeds (less than 5 mph). Give motorists a chance to see you and stop before you cross.
- Obey posted speed limits, traffic signals, and dismount zones.
- Use a bike bell to warn oncoming pedestrians and other bicyclists.
- Ride defensively and signal your actions.
- It is illegal to ride on sidewalks in commercial areas throughout Boulder.
- Save the headphones and all phones for when you are not riding your bike!
Read about our bicycle regulations here.
CU NightRide
UC Boulder provides a program to students, faculty, and staff called CU NightRide. NightRide is a student-operated program which provides night time transportation to support a safe academic and socially responsible environment both on campus and in the community. Users will be asked to provide a CU ID to use the program. For more information about night ride visit their website.
