Mobility (Wheels on Campus)

This policy applies to all University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

This policy provides direction to the UNL community regarding the use of various types and methods of transportation.

General Expectations

1. All Wheels Down Campus - For the purpose of preserving the health and safety of persons using campus walkways, all university owned or leased buildings, facilities, and properties are designated as All Wheels Down Zones.
2. Three Feet to Pass – Riders shall not come within less than three (3) feet of pedestrians while riding. If riders cannot pass pedestrians while maintaining the three foot minimum distance, they shall dismount and walk to their destination, or walk to a less-busy path to resume riding. The requirement is in effect throughout the university campus and at all hours of all days.
3. Pedestrians and riders are required to be aware of and obey any campus signage for the safety of all.
4. Traffic Flow - Pedestrians determine the rate of traffic flow. Riders must move with the flow of traffic without disrupting it, which may necessitate dismounting.

Pedestrian Priority Zone

UNL designates the following areas as Pedestrian Priority Zones:

• City Campus
  -The area known as Union Plaza
  -The East-West corridor running from Union Plaza to Hamilton Hall. North-South riders must slow and yield to all pedestrian traffic in the Pedestrian Priority Zone.
• East Campus
  -Center Street from Arbor Drive to the East Campus Mall/Entomology Hall

With the exception of wheelchair users and users of other mobility devices prescribed by licensed physicians, UNL requires all riders to dismount their transportation devices when within Pedestrian Priority Zones except where provided herein.

The requirement to dismount while in the Pedestrian Priority Zone is limited to the hours of 7:30am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday.

Bicycles

Bicyclists must remain on paved surfaces and when passing pedestrians provide a minimum 3’ of clearance. In times of heavy pedestrian traffic when sidewalks are congested, bicyclists should dismount and walk their bicycle. Bicyclists and operators are required to use the storage racks located throughout the UNL campus. UNL regulations prohibit attachment to any other campus object including, but not limited to, trees, posts, signs, stairwells, railings, or handicapped ramps. Any bicycles found secured to any object other than racks are subject to removal by Landscape Services. Impounded bicycles will be held at the UNL Police Department for 30 days and, if unclaimed, will be sold at public auction.

Skateboard, In-line Skates, Roller Skates, and Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMDs)

UNL is an all wheels down campus, meaning all wheels must remain on the ground while in motion. In times of heavy pedestrian traffic when sidewalks are congested, skateboarders and EPAMD users should dismount and walk. In-line skaters and roller skaters should slow down to match the speed of pedestrians.

Motorized Electric Scooters

Motorized electric scooters are prohibited on campus sidewalks. Motorized scooters should only be operated on campus streets. When using motorized scooters on campus streets the following safety guidelines should be followed:

1. Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet
2. Have a valid driver license
3. Ride on the road only and remain off sidewalks
4. Do not park scooters on a sidewalk in a position that blocks pedestrian paths Motorized electric scooters not parked and locked in bike parking areas are subject to removal by Landscape Services. Impounded electric scooters will be held at the UNL Police Department for 30 days and, if unclaimed, will be sold at public auction.

Motorized Bicycles

Motorized bicycles are prohibited on campus sidewalks. Motorized bicycles should only be operated on campus streets. When utilizing motorized bicycles on campus streets the following safety guidelines should be followed:

1. Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet
2. Have a valid driver license
3. Ride on the road only and remain off sidewalks
4. Riders of motorized bicycles are required to dismount at campus sidewalks and walk bikes to bike parking areas
5. Motorized bicycles should be parked in designated bike parking areas. The use of a heavy-duty lock system is recommended to discourage theft. Any motorized bicycles found secured to any object other than racks are subject to removal by Landscape Services. Impounded motorized bicycles will be held at the UNL Police Department for 30 days and, if unclaimed, will be sold at public auction.

Moped

Mopeds are prohibited on campus sidewalks and should be parked in motorcycle parking areas within campus parking lots. When utilizing mopeds on campus streets the following safety guidelines should be followed:

1. Wear a properly fitted helmet
2. Have a valid driver license

Scooter

Scooters that are non-motorized and solely powered by human movement must remain on paved surfaces and when passing pedestrians provide a minimum 3’ of clearance. In times of heavy pedestrian traffic, scooter riders should dismount and walk. 

ADA Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities who have been approved a reasonable accommodation for a documented need are permitted to use motorized devices on campus sidewalks and in campus buildings.

UNL promotes the use of alternative means of transportation to promote sustainability and healthy living within the campus environment. With an increased presence of various mobility devices on campus there is also the possibility for conflicts and life safety issues. This campus mobility policy strives for a balance in supporting alternative means of transportation and pedestrian safety by providing guidance setting a common foundation of rules, expectations on device usage, and designating certain areas of campus as pedestrian priority areas.

Bicycle owners are encouraged to register their bicycles on campus. Bicycles, electronics and other items can be registered online with University Police. In the event the bicycle or other items are lost or stolen, the registration information provides valuable assistance in locating the rightful owner. The use of a heavy-duty lock system is recommended to discourage theft.

BikeLNK bike share stations are located on campus to provide an alternative mode of transportation on campus and from campus to other locations in the Lincoln area. Please visit BikeLNK for more information on locations and/or to purchase a pass. UNL faculty, staff, and students are eligible for a discounted yearly membership.

All Wheels Down: When all wheels (or one foot in the case of rollerblades and roller-skates) are in contact with the ground, and only the ground, at all times.

Bicycle: a pedal cycle designed to be propelled solely by human power.

Dismount: The action required for a Rider to become a Pedestrian. A dismounted Rider is one who is afoot and accompanied by a wheeled transportation device which is being pushed, pulled or carried.

Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (EPAMDS, aka Segways, hover boards): a self-balancing, non-tandem two wheeled device, designed to transport only one person and containing an electric propulsion system.

In-line Skates: a type of roller skate with in-line wheels.

Roller Skates: a shoe, or attachment for a shoe, with a set of wheels for skating.

Sidewalks: a paved pathway primarily utilized by pedestrians.

Skateboard: a board of any length mounted on roller skate-type wheels designed to be propelled solely by human power.

Moped: a bicycle with fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, an automatic transmission and a motor not exceeding 50 cc that produces no more than two brake horsepower at a maximum design speed of no more than 30 miles per hour (§60-637).

Motorized Bicycle: A motorized bicycle is a bicycle with an attached motor or engine and transmission used either to power the vehicle unassisted, or to assist with pedaling. Motorized Electric Scooters - a two-wheeled device that has handlebars, a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding, and is powered by a motor

Scooter: a device with skate-type wheels with a low footboard between them which is steered by a handlebar and is propelled solely by human power.