• When Walking
• When Driving
• When Biking
• When Busing

When Walking

• Walk confidently; look ahead and make eye contact.
• Do not wear a stereo headset when you are walking through the Gopher Way tunnel and skyway system.
• Be aware of the people and environment around you.
• If someone is following you, go to the nearest place where there are other people.
• Trust your instincts. If someone makes you uncomfortable, do what is necessary to move away from that person.
• If you are returning to your vehicle, have your car keys in hand before leaving your present location.
• Never leave any personal belonging unattended.
• The University of Minnesota Police Department provides a free Campus Escort Service. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Escort Service can be reached at 612-624-WALK (4-WALK from any campus phone). An escort will be dispatched to your location and will accompany you anywhere within the campus vicinity.

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When Driving

• If you will be returning to your vehicle at night, park in a place that will be well-lit when you return.
• Before leaving your vehicle, lock it and roll up the windows.
• When you return to your vehicle, look around it and inside it before you get in.
• Anytime you are in your vehicle, keep the doors locked and the windows closed.
• If you think you are being followed, sound your horn to scare away the other driver and go to the nearest police station.
• Keep your vehicle well maintained. Make sure you have enough gasoline to reach your destination.
• If you are driving alone and see a vehicle needing help, do not stop. Get the vehicle's license plate number and location, and then call the police for help.
• If your vehicle breaks down, stay in it with the doors locked and the hazard lights on. If anyone stops to help, ask that person to call a tow truck or the police for you.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's safety equipment, including hazard lights, windshield wipers, spare tire, seat belts, and door locks.
• Always be alert to your surroundings and know how to reach your destination prior to your departure.
• Do not stop if a passing motorist tells you that something is wrong with your vehicle or if someone bumps you from behind. Pull into the nearest service station or well-lit public area. Call the police from there.
• At stoplights, leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you in case you must pull away quickly.
• Learn emergency vehicles' signals. Police lights are red and blue. Do not stop for flashing white headlights alone.
• Always use seat belts. It is the law and may save your life in the event of an accident.
• Always be aware of the pedestrian traffic around your vehicle.
• Use automated teller machines only in busy, unobstructed areas and count your money inside the car with the doors locked.
• Drive to a service station or store if you need information or directions. Casual street-corner directions are the surest way to get lost.

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When Biking

• Use common sense and courtesy on your bike. When in a hurry, a driver would not drive his car on the sidewalk just because it was wide enough. Bicycling is prohibited on sidewalks that aren't designated as bicycle facilities. Bike riding on the sidewalks is not allowed in Dinkytown or Stadium Village.
• Campus bike lanes are one way only. Riding the wrong way is extremely hazardous. Pay attention to the direction of traffic at all times.
• Walk your bike when you make the transition from the street to a parking spot and you have to cross a sidewalk; it's usually a short distance and if you walk it, you don't have to worry about running into someone.
• Headlights and reflectors are required by Minnesota law for nighttime riding. Be safer by becoming more visible. Wear light-colored clothing and use lights.
• Ride with traffic and follow lane markings.
• Use hand signals. Signaling your intentions is essential to let other drivers on the roadway know what you intend to do.

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When Busing

• Always walk on the sidewalk to get to the bus stop; never run. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left, facing traffic.
• Go to the bus stop about five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road.
• Line up away from the street as the bus approaches.
• Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
• Use the handrail when stepping onto the bus.
• When on the bus, find a seat and sit down, if possible.
• Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
• Never put your head, arms, or hands out of the window.
• Keep aisles clear -- books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
• Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your belongings together.
• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat. Then, walk to the front door and exit, using the handrail.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least ten feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road until you can turn around and see the driver. Make sure that the driver can see you. Carefully walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• Stay away from the bus' rear wheels at all times.

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