contributed by Ronnie Souza
Sharing the Road on Our Biddeford and Portland Campuses
As the fall semester begins, our campuses become noticeably busier. Students are walking to class, faculty, staff and students are commuting, bicycles reappear on campus pathways, and electric scooters provide a convenient way to travel between destinations.
Whether you’re driving, walking, biking, or riding an e-scooter, safety is a shared responsibility. A little awareness and courtesy can help prevent injuries and ensure everyone arrives safely.
Two Campuses, Two Different Environments
One of the unique aspects of the University of New England is that each campus presents its own transportation challenges.
Portland Campus
The Portland Campus is situated within a busy urban environment. Pedestrians, cyclists, buses, delivery vehicles, emergency vehicles, and commuter traffic all operate in relatively close quarters. Intersections, crosswalks, parking areas, and nearby city streets require heightened awareness from everyone traveling to and about campus.
Biddeford Campus
The Biddeford Campus offers a more traditional campus setting with larger open spaces, athletic facilities, residence halls, parking lots, and longer travel distances between some destinations. While traffic volumes may be lower than Portland, higher vehicle speeds, campus roadways, and increased pedestrian activity create their own safety considerations.
Regardless of location, distractions can quickly lead to accidents.
The Growing Challenge of Distraction
Many incidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists occur because someone’s attention is focused elsewhere. Common distractions include:
- Texting or using a phone while walking
- Wearing headphones at a volume that limits awareness of surroundings
- Looking at navigation apps while crossing streets
- Riding bicycles or scooters while using a mobile device
- Drivers failing to notice pedestrians entering crosswalks
“Heads up, phones down” remains one of the simplest and most effective safety practices.
Tips for Pedestrians
Pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of campus roadways and pathways. A few simple habits can greatly reduce risks:
- Use designated sidewalks and pathways whenever available.
- Cross at marked crosswalks whenever possible.
- Make eye contact with drivers before entering a roadway.
- Avoid stepping into traffic unexpectedly.
- Stay alert when approaching parking lots and driveways.
- Remove one earbud or lower headphone volume when walking near roadways.
- Use extra caution during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours.
Remember that drivers may not always see you, especially during poor weather, darkness, or periods of heavy traffic.
Bicycle Safety Matters
Bicycles are an efficient and sustainable mode of transportation, but they require responsible operation. Cyclists should:
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and on shared pathways.
- Ride in a predictable manner.
- Use lights and reflectors when riding after dark.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Secure bicycles using approved racks.
Cyclists should also be mindful that many students may be unfamiliar with local traffic patterns and may not always anticipate bicycle traffic approaching from behind.
A friendly call-out such as “on your left” can help prevent collisions on shared walkways and paths.
E-Scooters and Other Micromobility Devices
Electric scooters have become increasingly common on college campuses. They can provide convenient transportation, but they also introduce new safety concerns. E-scooter riders should:
- Operate at safe speeds.
- Slow down around pedestrians and building entrances.
- Avoid riding on crowded sidewalks.
- Never carry passengers.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars.
- Avoid riding while distracted.
- Wear a helmet whenever possible.
Many injuries occur when riders lose control, encounter uneven pavement, or attempt sudden maneuvers to avoid pedestrians or obstacles.
Visibility is Your Best Friend
As we move into autumn, daylight hours become shorter and visibility decreases. Students, faculty, and staff can improve their visibility by:
- Wearing reflective clothing or accessories when walking or biking after dark.
- Using bicycle lights.
- Carrying a flashlight when walking in poorly lit areas.
- Remaining alert during rain, fog, and early morning conditions.
Being seen can be just as important as seeing others.
Courtesy Goes a Long Way
Perhaps the most important safety tool on campus isn’t a helmet, a bike light, or a traffic sign.
It’s courtesy.
A safe campus depends on pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and drivers recognizing that we all share the same spaces. Slowing down, staying aware, yielding when appropriate, and showing patience toward others can prevent accidents and create a more welcoming environment for everyone.
Help Keep UNE Safe
If you notice damaged sidewalks, roadway hazards, malfunctioning lighting, obstructed pathways, or other conditions that may create risks for pedestrians or riders, please report them so they can be addressed promptly.
As we begin a new academic year, let’s work together to make both the Biddeford and Portland campuses safe places to walk, roll, ride, and learn.
Stay alert. Stay visible. Stay courteous. Together, we can make campus transportation safer for everyone.