With the fall semester underway, we want to remind you to slow down while driving and observe your surroundings as a pedestrian. Caution and attention to safety are absolutely critical with increased congestion and more vehicles, utility carts and pedestrian traffic on campus.
- Pedestrians be aware of surroundings
- Watch for the unexpected
- Avoid congested campus areas
- Drive the posted speed limit
- Eliminate distractions while driving
- Pass bicyclists and utility carts with care
Please review Best Practices for Campus Driving.
How to use high-intensity activated crosswalks
With the start of the semester, pedestrians will be walking around campus and in the neighboring areas around the university. Do you know what to do if you see this flashing red light? Several high-intensity activated crosswalk signals are installed along University Avenue and other areas as pedestrian crosswalks, but drivers aren't always sure what to do.
- When the lights are not on, drivers should proceed normally.
- If a yellow light is flashing, prepare to stop.
- If red lights are flashing, drivers should treat the location as if there is a stop sign. Stop and allow pedestrians to go through the crosswalk.
- Once the crosswalk is clear, drivers at the front may proceed. The next drivers should pull up to the stop line and come to a complete stop, check to make sure the crosswalk is clear, and then proceed. This process of stopping and making sure the crosswalk is clear should continue until the lights turn off.
For those who would like to learn more, it is covered by New Mexico Statute 66-7-107.A(1).
Bicycle safety
Cycling is a fun way to travel around the city and the campus. However, there are very important safety protocols and laws that need to be followed while riding a bicycle. NMSU’s police, fire and Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management departments want to remind you of some tips to keep in mind when you ride.
- Always inspect your bike to make sure that it is safe to ride before you go out.
- Obey all signs and traffic laws. Bicyclist are commonly cited for failing to stop at stop signs and failing to yield to pedestrian traffic.
- Ride your bike like you would drive a car on a road. Ride with the flow of traffic and stay in your lane.
- Wear a helmet when you ride, because it can really make a difference if you ever get into an accident.
- If you ride at night use the proper lighting on your bike so you can see and be seen.
- When riding in congested areas, use appropriate signals to indicate to others what you are doing. Consider walking your bicycle through these areas.
- Be very attentive of your surroundings. Just because you see a driver that does not mean that the driver sees you.
If you need to make repairs, NMSU has a full service bike shop. Visit https://safety.nmsu.edu/campus-safety/bike-safety.html for more about bicycle safety at NMSU.