Share the Road – Ohio State is an educational initiative to promote safe behaviors when walking, biking, scooting or driving around campus. We all share the road and responsibility in assuring it’s done safely, so look out for your fellow Buckeyes.
All should anticipate multi-modal traffic on our campus roads and sidewalks. Bikes may use the full lane of traffic. Motorists must give three feet of passing distance between their vehicle and the cyclist. Look out for your fellow Buckeyes and use the crosswalk. Pedestrians should wait for the traffic signal to cross. If you’re cycling or scooting, park in designated areas to ensure accessible pathways. Never block sidewalks, curb ramps or disability access. Pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders should dress to be seen and use lights and reflective clothing / gear at night. Keep your eyes up and your earbuds out to eliminate distractions.
Multimodal
- Buckeyes are multimodal – Many buckeyes use both their feet and their wheels to get around campus. Whatever your mode of transportation, be sure to obey all applicable traffic laws and show respect for those around you. Remember we all share the road and the responsibility.
- The Oval is a walk zone – All cyclists, skateboarders, scooter riders, etc. must dismount and walk across. View the map outlining the walk zone and scooter parking zones.
- Look! – Our campus and the surrounding city streets are home to many busy crosswalks. Please remember to “LOOK” around when using a crosswalk, especially before entering.
- Avoid distractions – Remember we all share the road and the responsibility. STOP distracting behaviors. LOOK up from your phone. LISTEN to the pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists around you.
- Dress to be seen, use lights and reflective clothing / gear at night.
Bicyclists
- Bicycles are vehicles – By law, a bicycles is a vehicle. Vehicles belong in the road, not on sidewalks with pedestrians. Like motorists, bicyclists are responsible for obeying all traffic laws. Please remember bicycling rules are enforceable.
- Walk to the rack – There are dozens of bicycle racks available throughout campus. Upon arriving at your destination, remember to dismount as you exit the roadway and walk your bicycle to the rack.
- Ride in the road – Bikes may use the full lane. Ride in a predictable straight line.
- Dress to be seen, use lights and reflective clothing / gear at night.
- Read about additional bicycle resources on the Transportation and Traffic Management website.
Scooters
- All motorized scooter users need to follow the rules of the road. The Ohio State University supports alternative mobility options to best serve the needs of our campus community. The safety of our campus community remains a top priority, and we encourage everyone to Share the Road and look out for their fellow Buckeyes.
- Vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians should be aware of the increasing scooter traffic on campus. Motorized scooter operators must review and adhere to the following rules, safety tips and new scooter parking zones. Dress to be seen, use lights and reflective clothing / gear at night. For additional information about safety and service offerings, please visit Lime and Bird.
- Do not operate on sidewalks, including The Oval. The Oval is a walk-zone.
Motorists
- Slow Down – We all have places to go and people to see, but safety should be a top priority. Leave a few minutes earlier and slow down when driving on campus. Adhering to posted speed limits will keep you and the thousands of other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians on campus safe. Please remember that speeding rules are enforceable.
- Expect bicycles on the road – By law, a bicycle is a vehicle and required to ride in the road. When driving on campus, expect to see bicycles on the road. Treat them as you would any other vehicle. Only pass when there is NOT a double yellow and you can allow for at least 3 feet between you and the bicycle.
- Take caution when turning – Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and scooter riders when turning.
- Avoid distractions – Do not text and drive!
Pedestrians
- Do not jaywalk – Jaywalking, crossing a street anywhere outside of a marked crosswalk or against a walk sign at a signalized crosswalk is illegal and extremely dangerous. Please remember that jaywalking rules are enforceable.
- Share the Responsibility – Whether walking, bicycling, or driving, we all share the responsibility to ensure that we navigate campus safely.
- Make eye contact with drivers and wait for the traffic signal to cross.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Dress to be seen, use lights and reflective clothing / gear at night.
Who We Are
Share the Road – Ohio State is an educational initiative to promote safe behaviors among students, faculty, staff, and visitors moving around campus and raise awareness of the university efforts to provide a safe environment for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. We all use multiple modes of transportation, whether walking, biking or driving and share the responsibility in assuring it’s done safely.
For questions/comments, email ttminfo@osu.edu
Share the Road is a university-wide initiative and is supported by the following:
Partners
News
As the days get shorter and evenings get darker earlier, it’s important to keep these safety tips in mind when traveling on and around campus.
With the start of a new academic year underway, The Ohio State University is encouraging the university community to pay attention and travel safely.
Motorists and CABS riders are encouraged to allow additional time for travel as students, faculty and staff return to campus for fall semester (classes begin August 23) .