The following message was sent to Ohio State students, faculty and staff by Monica Moll, associate vice president, Department of Public Safety:
We are asking everyone to look out for their fellow Buckeyes by being aware of their surroundings. Your safety is our top priority, and we all play a part in promoting a safe campus environment when traveling to class and work.
We are a pedestrian-friendly campus but also recognize that with cars, bikes and scooters, our campus streets can be congested. Bikes and scooters should follow traffic rules for vehicles and ride in the road, not on sidewalks. Bikes can use the full lane and motorists must allow at least three feet of space when passing. Both scooter and bike riders should wear a helmet and ride with caution. Scooters are intended to be ridden by one person at a time.
Motorists should not text and drive and should be on alert for pedestrians crossing the roadway. Pedestrians should always use crosswalks and wait for the walk signal to enter the roadway. At non-signalized crosswalks, pedestrians should stop and look both ways to ensure vehicle traffic is slowing before entering. Make safety a priority by eliminating distractions, putting your phone down and taking earbuds out.
Additional safety tips include:
- Avoid walking alone, especially at night.
- Utilize transportation like CABS, CABS On-Demand or Lyft Ride Smart at Ohio State.
- Use Rave Guardian to allow friends or family to track your location as a virtual guardian.
- Always lock doors and windows at home.
- Do not leave valuables, keys or key fobs in your vehicle.
- Report suspicious activity, missing or stolen items to police.
On campus, call The Ohio State University Police Division at 614-292-2121. Off-campus, make reports to local law enforcement such as the Columbus Police (614-645-4545). Always dial 9-1-1 in emergencies. Find more safety resources online.
You’re going places, so please follow these tips to help you get there safely.