Walking, biking or driving on campus? Safety first!

This article from the archives was updated Aug. 14, 2024.

As Pitt welcomes thousands of students, faculty and staff to campus for the fall semester, traveling safely through Pittsburgh has never been more important. Keep these tips top of mind as you’re getting to and from classes, study spaces, events and meetings this year.

The Pitt Mobility site is your go-to source for resources on fare-free public transportation, shuttle services and other methods of commuting to, from and around the University.

Pedestrians

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department offers great tips to stay safe as you travel around Pitt’s bustling campus — or anywhere — as a pedestrian.

Always walk on sidewalks, and when they are not available, walk facing oncoming traffic while staying as far away from the road as possible.

Given the mix of buses, bikes and other vehicles in Oakland, follow pedestrian walk signals at traffic lights and stay off electronic devices to remain focused on vehicles and others around you. If you’re walking near moving or stopped motor vehicles, never assume a driver sees you and be sure to make eye contact prior to crossing the street.

Hundreds of pedestrians use the mid-block crosswalk on Bigelow Boulevard to cross vehicle and bike lanes daily, so pay extra attention as you use the high-traffic area.

Remember to look both ways on Fifth Avenue — though it is a one-way street for cars, buses go against traffic on this thoroughfare. The intersection of Fifth Avenue and S. Bellefield Avenue is now an all-way stop; like its counterpart at Fifth Avenue and S. Craig Street, pedestrians will be able to cross in all directions while the traffic lights are red and the walk sign is on.

Multiple construction projects are underway on the Pittsburgh campus. Pedestrian safety is especially important in these active construction site areas. You can also utilize map.pitt.edu to see how road construction may impact your commute.

For additional impacts due to City of Pittsburgh, UPMC or other area construction projects, please visit the Oakland Transportation Management Association Construction Resource Map.

Motorists and shared commuting

As a motorist, it is up to you to ensure street safety for other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles. Do your part by maintaining a three-second following distance for safe reaction to other vehicles. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering crosswalk areas, yielding to pedestrians who have the right of way. If you become upset while driving, take time to calm down — remember that the assault of a person or vehicle because of a traffic incident is a criminal offense punishable by law. Parking legally is also important to being a good neighbor and ensuring sidewalks are accessible to all residents. 

Finally, be extra cautious when backing up or opening your vehicle door to ensure pedestrians or bicyclists are not in your path.