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.
- 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 and safety tips. Dress to be seen, use lights and reflective clothing / gear at night.
- Do not operate on sidewalks, including The Oval. The Oval is a walk-zone.
- Park scooters next to a bike rack. Scooters may not be parked in pedestrian pathways, vehicle parking spaces (including ADA), on ADA ramps, stairwells, inside buildings, doorways or other areas where they block egress or ingress.
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:
News
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Keep Safety in Mind as Seasons Change
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.Avoid distractions and be aware of your surroundings.Keep your eyes up and your earbuds out when traveling.Wear bright and reflective clothing.Dress to be seen and protect your head.Watch for uneven or slippery surfaces and debris.Ride or walk predictably.Lights on bicycles are required when riding between sunset and sunrise.Use your headlights when your windshield wipers are in use.Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at night. Allow extra stopping distance when the road is wet. Watch out for your fellow Buckeyes. We all share the road and responsibility in assuring it’s done safely. -
Ohio State Awarded $300K for Multimodal Safety Plan
The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus has been awarded $300,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program for its project, “Protecting Vulnerable Roadway Users: A Multimodal Safety Plan.” “We’re excited to re-envision a transportation network that prioritizes safety and accessibility for everyone, whether they’re walking, biking, or using other modes of transportation,” said Andrew Neil, assistant director of sustainability for Facilities Operations and Development (FOD). “This funding will allow us to push forward with a framework to create innovative solutions to reduce crashes and improve the overall experience on the Columbus campus.”The initiative aims to improve safety for vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists and those using micromobility options like scooters, by developing a transportation safety plan that uses data-driven approaches to reduce crashes on or near the Ohio State campus. The plan will also look for innovative technologies to promote equity in transportation. It aligns with broader regional and city initiatives, including the City of Columbus’ Vision Zero plan and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s safety goals.The grant comes as the result of collaborative efforts of multiple departments including FOD Sustainability, Planning, Architecture and Real Estate (PARE), and Transportation and Traffic Management (TTM). “Through this effort we plan to analyze crash data, gather community input and evaluate safe systems approaches to our transportation infrastructure; identifying areas with the highest need and create a safer environment for all road users,” said John Shrader, field logistics coordinator for TTM. The plan also considers sustainability goals, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by making it easier for non-motorized transportation options like biking or walking. “Our goal is not just to reduce crashes, but also to create a transportation network that is sustainable and equitable,” said Rebekah Gayley, assistant director of facility planning for PARE. “As our campus and the surrounding areas continue to grow, it’s essential that we create infrastructure that meets the needs of all.”With the awarded funds, the team plans to hire consultants to develop a comprehensive transportation safety plan and identify low-cost, high-impact projects. The team hopes to start the planning process in winter 2025, with community engagement to follow. The plan aligns with Ohio State’s long-term master plan, Framework 3.0. -
Campus Community Asked to Share the Road
With the start of a new academic year underway, The Ohio State University is encouraging the university community to pay attention and travel safely.Whether you drive, walk, bike or ride a scooter to class or work, do it safely. Students, faculty, staff and visitors share the road and the responsibility.Commuters are asked to look out for fellow Buckeyes and avoid distractions. Remove earbuds and look up from your phone. Be mindful around construction zones and obey signage.Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks and sidewalks and wait for the cross sign at signalized intersections.Motorists should keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders. Do not text and drive.Bicycles and scooters should be ridden in the road, not on sidewalks. If you’re cycling or scooting, park in designated areas to ensure accessible pathways. Never block sidewalks, curb ramps or disability access.Scooter Safety Tips:Wear a helmet.Maintain a 3-foot minimum distance from pedestrians.Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.Watch the road for uneven surfaces and debris.Be wary of puddles and leaves that may hide potholes.Dress to be seen, use lights and reflective clothing / gear at night.Share the Road and never ride against traffic.Eliminate distractions. Do NOT text while riding!