University Police and Public Safety

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As students, faculty and staff navigate Penn State campuses each day, University Police and Public Safety (UPPS) and Transportation Services are reminding the community that safe transportation practices play an important role in maintaining a healthy and welcoming campus environment.

From walking and biking to using campus transit services, thousands of community members travel across Penn State campuses daily. Following transportation regulations, remaining aware of surroundings, and making responsible transportation choices help to reduce risks and support the safety of everyone on campus.

Penn State Policy PS03 establishes regulations for bicycles and personal mobility devices on University property. The policy applies to students, faculty, staff and visitors and outlines expectations for the use of bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards and other transportation devices.

One area that continues to generate questions is the use of electric scooters, commonly known as e-scooters. Under Policy PS03, e-scooters are classified as motor-driven devices that do not meet Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requirements for operation on public highways and are prohibited on University property, including roadways, sidewalks, bike paths, shared-use paths and inside buildings.

"Safety is at the core of our transportation policies and educational efforts," said Director of Transportation Services Rick Ward. "Penn State provides a variety of transportation options, including walking, biking, campus transit services and approved mobility devices. We encourage community members to familiarize themselves with University regulations and choose transportation methods that comply with policy, while supporting a safe environment for everyone."

Transportation Services and UPPS work collaboratively through educational initiatives such as the Bicycle Education and Enforcement Program (BEEP), which helps to educate community members about transportation safety and regulations. First-time violators of certain transportation-related offenses may have opportunities to complete educational programming designed to promote safer travel habits. (This referral does not apply when offenses involve a motor vehicle citation.)

According to Wesley Sheets, associate vice president and chief of University Police and Public Safety, transportation safety is a shared responsibility that requires awareness, courtesy and compliance from everyone using campus pathways and roadways.

"Our goal is always to promote safety through education first, while ensuring members of our community understand the laws and regulations that help keep our campuses safe," Sheets said. "Whether you are walking, biking, driving or using another form of transportation, following established rules helps to reduce conflicts, prevent injuries and create a safer environment for students, employees and visitors alike."

University officials encourage community members to remain attentive when traveling on campus, obey traffic-control devices, yield to pedestrians, use appropriate safety equipment such as bicycle helmets, and avoid distracted travel.

Individuals who currently own e-scooters are encouraged not to bring them to campus and to review University regulations before using any transportation device on Penn State property. UPPS and Transportation Services will continue their educational outreach efforts throughout the academic year and, when necessary, enforce applicable University policies and Pennsylvania laws.

Members of the Penn State community can learn more about transportation regulations by reviewing Policy PS03, Transportation Services resources, and safety information available through University Police and Public Safety.