Stay alert, safe while traveling the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses this academic year

The Purdue University Police Department (PUPD) is asking the campus community to stay alert and keep safe as a busy academic year begins on the West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses.

“It’s that exciting time of year again when we welcome back thousands of students,” said Chief Lesley Wiete. “With the excitement comes busier streets, sidewalks and bicycle paths. We encourage the Purdue community to stay alert and put safety first while navigating campus. Everyone can play a small part by being aware and avoiding distractions.”

PUPD recommends following these safety tips:

Pedestrians

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

Bicycles, skateboards and electric- or motor-powered vehicles (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 campus only). Use bike lanes or multiuse 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 midblock crossing.
• Slow down where large groups or children may be present, including near residence halls, dining halls, around 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 on both campuses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For West Lafayette, call 765-494-SAFE (7233). Those on the Indianapolis campus can call 371-274-SAFE (7233).

Additionally, new pedestrian safety training is now a part of the Boiler Gold Rush orientation program. The training is a proactive measure to help keep the entire campus community safe. Incoming students can utilize the information provided and translate it to behavioral practice during their time at Purdue.

PUPD is part of the Administrative Operations organization. The organization supports the university through safe, reliable and transformative services. Providing the campus community with valuable tips to travel safely across a busy campus is just one of many ways the organization powers Purdue.