October is Pedestrian Safety Month and WVU Police officers are reminding anyone traveling in and around campus areas to keep the following guidance in mind.
Pedestrian Safety
- Remember, “heads up, phones down.” Do not look down at your phone or listen to anything that obstructs you from hearing vehicles you may not see. Refrain from talking on the phone while walking along a street or crossing one.
- Always walk on sidewalks when possible. If a sidewalk is not available, walk facing traffic at a safe distance.
- When crossing a roadway, use marked crosswalks when available and obey all traffic laws, signals, and signs. If a crosswalk is not available, cross in a well-lit area where you have a clear view of traffic. Be patient and wait to cross until you have ample time to cross safely. Wait until the crossing signal is present or amber lights are flashing, if applicable.
- When walking at night, wear bright colors, and stay in well-lit areas.
- Don’t step into traffic from behind a wall, tree, or other obstruction without checking for incoming vehicles.
- Assume drivers do not see you, even when you have the right of way. When crossing a roadway, assume drivers are not going to stop and ensure that all vehicles, including ones that are turning, are aware you intend to cross.
Bicycle Safety
- Morgantown city code requires all bicyclists to wear a helmet. In an accident, wearing a helmet can reduce the severity of injuries and may even save your life.
- Ride with the flow of traffic and obey all traffic laws as if you were driving a car. Stay as far to the right as reasonable. Use designated bike lanes where available. Stay aware of all vehicles and pedestrians around you.
- Never assume a driver or pedestrian can see you. If riding during the day, wearing bright colors will increase your visibility to drivers. If riding at night, wear reflective clothing or attach reflective items to your bike. Additionally, consider blind spots that large vehicles may have, which make it difficult to see bicyclists. If you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you. Yield to pedestrians and alert them that you’re coming with a bell or verbal warning.
- Lock your bicycle when storing it in a public or open location. Use campus bike racks when available. Use a U-lock to lock the bicycle to a fortified anchoring point. You can also discreetly attach an Apple AirTag or similar tracking device to your bicycle to help recover your bicycle in the event of theft. These steps, in addition to registering your bicycle with UPD, will greatly increase the likelihood of recovery if your bike is ever stolen.
Driver Safety
- Obey all traffic lights and signals. Reduce your speed for yellow traffic lights — running a red light is never worth the risk.
- Do not obstruct intersections or crosswalks.
- Always watch for pedestrians and always yield to them.
- When turning or entering a crosswalk area, slow down, and be prepared to stop. Always assume someone will be crossing.
- Use extra caution when driving in high pedestrian traffic areas, during inclement weather, while backing up, and while driving at night.
- By West Virginia state law, drivers passing bicyclists must do so at a reduced speed, on the lefthand side with at least three feet of clearance.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or while otherwise distracted, such as using a cell phone or wearing headphones.
In the event of an emergency, call 911. Report stolen items or suspicious activity to UPD immediately at 304-293-3136 or download the LiveSafe app for direct and discreet two-way communication with police.
For more information on UPD, visit our website, and follow us on Instagram, X, and Facebook. To receive information about emergencies and incidents on or near campus, register for or check your registration for the WVU Safety Notification System.