Traffic Safety Tips:
Every day 10,000 motorists, hundreds of buses, dozens of construction vehicles, thousands of cyclists, and 30,000 pedestrians, in-line skaters, skateboarders and scooters converge on campus. In recent years we've seen increased traffic and pedestrian congestion on campus, due in part to construction and road closings. Your awareness of your rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist is particularly important at this time.
For your own safety and that of others, please familiarize yourself with all local and state vehicle and traffic regulations, and adhere to the following tips:
Motorists
- Drive at safe speeds on campus
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
- Be alert for people acting unpredictably, crossing at non-crosswalk locations.
- Pay particular attention when approaching buses unloading passengers; pedestrians often cross in front of the bus, particularly at a crosswalk.
Cyclists and In-line Skaters
- Bicycles and in-line skaters are allowed anywhere motor vehicle travel is permitted. The same rules of the road that apply to motorists apply to these modes of transportation.
- Observe university cycling and in in-line skating regulations.
- Travel in the street or on paths clearly marked (with white symbols) as bike lanes. When you travel on a shared path (marked with yellow symbols), ride slowly, yielding the right of way to pedestrians. If a sidewalk or path is marked with a red symbol, or not marked at all, you must dismount.
- When traveling in hours of darkness, a head and taillight are required by law.
- Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, both day and night.
- Do not wear headphones while traveling. Headphones, even if the device is inactive or used in compliance with the law, block sound and increase your risk of missing an important sensory indicator of danger.
Skateboards and Scooters
- Skateboarders and scooters are regulated by New York State traffic laws and are not allowed on roadways.
- Always yield to pedestrians.
- Tricks and stunts are prohibited on university property.
- Skateboards and scooters are not permitted on ramps, stairs, handrails, or inside buildings.
Pedestrians
- New York State laws regarding crossing roadways apply to pedestrians on campus.
- Cross at a marked crosswalk or intersection; if you are not in a crosswalk, vehicles have the right of way.
- Be sure vehicles have time to yield before you step into a crosswalk.
- Make eye contact with motorists to be sure they know you intend to cross.
- If there are no sidewalks along a roadway, state law requires that you walk in the direction facing traffic, as far left as practical.
- Wear bright and/or reflective clothing if you must walk along the roadway for any length of time.
- Although you may have the right of way, ultimately your life may depend on you being alert and erring on the side of safety.
Campus Efforts to Increase Safety
- Signs and barrels with "State law. Stop for pedestrians in crosswalk" have been placed at key locations around campus to remind everyone of New York's crosswalk laws.
- Bright yellow fluorescent crosswalk signs have also been installed to warn motorists and cyclists that they are approaching a crosswalk.
- Cornell Police participate in state and national campaigns to combat aggressive driving, enforce state seat-belt and cell phone laws, and actively patrol for impaired drivers.
- A cycling skills and safety course is offered to cyclists over age 14 to improve skills for casual or commuting cyclists.