DRIVING ON CAMPUS

UAPD and other local police agencies enforce all state laws governing the operation of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Be sure to obey traffic regulations at all times. If you do not, you may be cited or jailed, depending on the severity of the traffic violation or the condition of the driver.

The University of Alabama is a pedestrian-friendly campus. Therefore, you may find it hard to drive through campus on weekdays during the fall and spring semesters because of the number of students, faculty and staff who are walking on campus. Everyone is encouraged to use Crimson Ride, the University’s bus system, to get around campus. Visit the Crimson Ride website to learn about on-campus and apartment routes. You can locate bus stops and track the Crimson Ride busses in real-time on this map and by using the Passio Go app, which is available for free for iOS and Android devices.

PARKING ON CAMPUS

Parking Services is responsible for all functions relating to the management, maintenance and planning of campus parking lots and parking garages, the issuance of parking permits, the collection of enforcement charges for parking and traffic violations, the acceptance of appeals from such violations, parking information services, and the administration of athletic and special event parking.

Parking Services, a division of Transportation Services, is located in the Campus Drive Parking Deck at 451 Campus Drive East. Contact them at 205-348-5471 or uapark@ua.edu. For additional information about UA traffic and parking regulations, visit the Rules and Regulations page of the Parking Services website.

MOTORIST ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MAP)

If you have car trouble on campus, you can contact the University’s Motorist Assistance Program at 205-348-0121, 24 hours a day. MAP technicians provide the following services:

  • Battery jump
  • Flat tire Inflation
  • Fueling Assistance

When you call the Motorist Assistance, have the following information available:

  • Vehicle license plate number
  • Make, model, and color of vehicle
  • Vehicle’s exact location
  • Description of problem
  • Your name and phone number

You will need to remain with your vehicle until the MAP technician arrives to ensure that we locate the correct vehicle and have the driver sign our Emergency Vehicle Assistant form.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Bicycle-vehicle and bicycle-pedestrian accidents do happen, often because the cyclist or pedestrian is not obeying these state laws:

  • A bicycle is recognized as a vehicle in Alabama and on campus.
  • Bicyclists must obey the same laws as motor vehicles and must obey all traffic signs and signals.
  • Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road, as far right as they safely can, and in the same direction as the traffic around them.
  • When riding at night, make sure your bicycle is equipped with a white headlight attached to the front and a clearly visible red reflector at the rear.
  • Anyone who is 16 years old or younger is required to wear a bicycle helmet in Alabama.

For additional information on the University’s expectations with respect to bicycles on campus, visit the Bicycle Information page on the Parking Services website.

Other important guidelines for cyclists to follow for the prevention of accidents and injuries:

  • Even if you’re over 16, wear a helmet. It might prevent a serious head injury in the event of a fall or collision.
  • Keep off the sidewalk. Sidewalks are meant for pedestrians, so avoid riding your bike anywhere but on the road.
  • Think ahead. Anticipate others’ mistakes and leave room and time for defensive action. For example, cars or trucks making right turns might not see you, so leave room to react safely.
  • Yield to cars. Even if you think you have the right of way, remember that a car is much bigger, faster, heavier and harder to maneuver than a bike.
  • If you must ride at night, use the required lighting and reflective equipment and wear reflective and/or light-colored clothing.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

While UA has made progress in providing adequate parking on campus, many UA faculty, staff and students choose to park their cars at one location and walk across campus for the remainder of the day. Walking can help reduce traffic congestion. When walking or driving, remember:

  • Pedestrians must obey all traffic signs, signals, lights, and regulations and must use sidewalks when provided.
  • Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, but not when crossing the street at other points. When crossing at a point not in a marked crosswalk, pedestrians must yield to car and bike traffic. Regardless of where they cross the street, pedestrians should always be alert to their surroundings and prepared to avoid oncoming traffic if necessary.
  • Pedestrians must not cross a roadway between intersections at which traffic lights are used, except at crosswalks.

PERSONAL MOBILITY DEVICES, SKATES, AND SKATEBOARDS

Skating on steps is discouraged because of the enormous potential for injuring yourself. Other skating activities carry additional risks: activities like waxing steps for skating and moving bike racks increase the potential for injury to others and are punishable as defacement of University property.