Multi-use Paths on Campus
CU Boulder's campus map Find multi-use pathways on campus as well as bike and skateboard dismount zones.
No matter how you get to campus, the majority of us use the multi-use paths on campus at some point in our commute. Whether from a parked car to a classroom or a bus stop to home, the pedestrian portion determines the enjoyment, safety and convenience of that trip.

An effective pedestrian environment facilitates all types of users and all reasons for walking, and supports the university’s Carbon Neutrality Plan by reducing the number of single occupancy vehicles coming to campus, relieving congestion and shrinking greenhouse gas emissions.

There are many ways to walk and roll around campus. We want to make sure everyone is aware of what is allowed (and what’s not) on the multi-use pathways and streets in and around campus.

Right of Way Heirarchy (higher positions on this table have the right of way over lower positions) Allowed on Pathways and Sidewalks Allowed on Bike Lanes and Streets
Pedestrians YES NO
Roller Skates and Blades YES NO
Skateboards (Non-motorized) YES NO
Scooters (Non-motorized-foot-push) YES NO
Bicycles (Non-motorized) YES YES
Scooters (Motorized - privately owned)

NO

City of Boulder ordinances currently do not allow the use of e-scooters on sidewalks or pathways other than streets or bike lanes as provided for in state law.

YES

State law allows for the use of electric scooters on streets and in bike lanes.
Bicycles (Motorized) a.k.a. Electric Bikes and/or E-bikes (have functional pedals) YES YES
Skateboards and Other Micro-Mobility Devices (Motorized) NO NO
Scooters (Motorized - commercially owned) NO NO
Mopeds (Motorized - privately owned) NO On Streets Only

skateboard rackCampus has skateboard racks near some of the largest lecture halls and classrooms on campus. There are two racks inside the Engineering Center and one inside Muenzinger Psychology. One each is located outside Cristol Chemistry and Biochemistry, eaton Humanities, Duane Physics and the Mathematics Building. Each rack can hold up to 10 boards, which are inserted into thin slots and can be locked in place using two metal rings. Students are responsible for their own locks.
  • Skateboarders must act like pedestrians, according to the University of Colorado Police Department. That means they need to maintain a safe speed, yield to other pedestrians and are not permitted on roads or streets, except in marked crosswalks.
  • It is illegal to consume alcohol when riding a skateboard.
  • Skateboarders must slow down as they approach cross walks and corners, said CU Police Department spokesman Scott Pribble. “Cars that are turning may not see the skateboarder approaching the intersection and the skateboarder needs to be able to stop quickly should they be cutoff by a car turning in front of them,” Pribble said.
  • Skateboarders, like cyclists and motorcycle riders, should wear helmets.
All CU Buff Buses, Regional Transportation District (RTD) and Community Transit Network (CTN) buses, as well as light rail vehicles, are ADA accessible. More information on transportation options for CU affiliates with disabilities can be found here.
If you’ve been injured or your property damaged due to a collision on campus, please contact police dispatch at 303-492-6666.

If you were involved in a close-call incident on campus, but don't fit the guidelines for contacting CUPD, we would like to know about it. Incidents may include:

  • A close call or a collision with a car, cyclist or skateboarder
  • Has a car come close to hitting you while you were crossing a campus street?
  • Did you have a near hit with a pedestrian because they weren't using a crosswalk?

If so, please complete and submit a close call incident form. Although we may not respond directly to you, our staff will use this information to target future safety messages.

The University of Colorado is committed to improving all aspects of pedestrian, vehicular, bicycle, and skateboard safety. To achieve this, a Pathway Safety Committee consisting of representatives from many campus departments including Parking Services was formed. More information on the Pathway Safety Committee can be found here.
Facilities Management is responsible for snow removal on campus sidewalks. Please visit Facilities Management's Snow Removal page for more information.

[1]Some of the documents on this page are not fully accessible for users who employ screen readers and other assistive devices. If you use assistive technology and need assistance, please contact our Customer Service Specialists at (303) 735-PARK (7275).