Self-Propelled, E-Mobility, and Power-Driven Transportation Devices
The University of Findlay encourages the safe and responsible use of personal transportation devices as a means of travel on campus. All modes of transportation must be operated with respect for pedestrians and in a manner that promotes the safety of students, employees, and visitors.
All operators must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Non-Motorized Transportation Devices
Non-motorized transportation devices, including but not limited to bicycles, skateboards, longboards, rollerblades, roller skates, and kick scooters, are permitted on University sidewalks, pathways, and roadways.
Bicycles
Bicycles are permitted on University sidewalks and pathways but must be operated safely and yield to pedestrians at all times.
Bicycles are not allowed inside any campus building or residential living unit.
Bicycle racks are provided throughout campus for securing bicycles. Bicycles chained or locked to trees, lamp posts, railings, parking signs, porches, benches, inside buildings, or anywhere other than designated bicycle racks may be removed and placed in Security storage. The University assumes no responsibility for locks being cut due to improper placement of bicycles.
Bicycles not claimed within thirty (30) days may be considered abandoned property and forfeited. The University assumes no responsibility for bicycles that are lost, stolen, or damaged while on campus. Bicycle registration with Campus Safety is strongly encouraged.
Skateboards, Rollerblades, and Similar Devices
Skateboards, longboards, rollerblades, roller skates, and similar devices may be used as transportation on campus provided they are operated safely and responsibly.
The following activities are prohibited:
- Use inside any campus building
- Use on indoor or outdoor athletic courts
- Trick riding, stunt riding, grinding, or jumping
- Riding on gazebos, benches, ramps, steps, concrete planters, retaining walls, railings, or other campus structures
- Operation that creates an unreasonable risk to pedestrians or property
E-Mobility Devices
The University permits the use of battery-powered personal transportation devices as a means of transportation on campus. Operators are responsible for the safe operation, parking, storage, maintenance, and charging of these devices.
Permitted Devices
Permitted devices include:
- E-scooters
- E-bicycles
- Hoverboards
- Segways
- Electric skateboards
- One-wheel devices
- Other battery-powered mobility devices designed for personal transportation
Operating Requirements
Operators of e-mobility devices must:
- Yield to pedestrians at all times
- Operate at a safe speed appropriate to surrounding conditions
- Reduce speed significantly in pedestrian-heavy areas
- Maintain control of the device at all times
- Follow all posted signs and directions
- Use devices solely for transportation purposes
The following activities are prohibited:
- Reckless or careless operation
- Excessive speed
- Stunt riding or trick riding
- Tandem riding unless the device is designed for multiple riders
- Distracted riding
- Operating a device while impaired
- Any conduct that endangers persons or property
Restricted Areas
E-mobility devices may not be:
- Operated, stored or charged inside any campus building
- Operated, stored or charged within residential living units
- Operated, stored or charged on athletic courts
- Parked, stored or charged in building entrances, exits, hallways, stairwells, accessibility routes, or emergency egress pathways
Motorcycles, mopeds, and other street-legal motor vehicles remain prohibited on sidewalks and pedestrian pathways and must operate only on designated roadways and parking areas.
Storage and Charging
Due to fire and life-safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries, battery-powered transportation devices may not be stored or charged inside University buildings unless specifically approved by the Office of Campus Safety & Emergency Management and Facilities Services.
Battery-powered transportation devices may not be stored in:
- Residence hall rooms
- Apartments
- Academic buildings
- Offices
- Hallways
- Stairwells
- Other indoor University facilities
Designated exterior parking and storage areas, including bicycle racks and future University-approved charging/storage stations, should be utilized whenever available.
Parking
E-mobility devices must be parked only in designated bicycle racks or approved parking areas.
Devices may not be parked in a manner that:
- Blocks doors or sidewalks
- Restricts accessibility access
- Obstructs emergency exits
- Creates trip hazards
Improperly parked devices may be relocated or impounded by Campus Safety.
Safety Equipment
The University strongly encourages the use of:
- Helmets
- Lights for nighttime operation
- Reflective clothing or equipment
- Other appropriate safety gear
Mobility Devices Used by Individuals with Disabilities
Nothing in this policy restricts the use of mobility devices by individuals with disabilities as permitted by applicable law. Requests for accommodation should be directed to the Office of Accessibility Services.
University-Sponsored Events
University-affiliated organizations wishing to utilize transportation devices as part of a program, demonstration, event, or activity must request approval through the event reservation process and obtain any required safety approvals.
Violations
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:
- Verbal or written warnings
- Loss of transportation device privileges
- Impoundment of the device
- Restitution for damages
- Student conduct action and/or employee disciplinary action
Golf Carts and Gas-Powered Vehicles
Golf carts and similar devices (whether electronic or gas powered) and gas-powered vehicles such as cars, trucks and vans are restricted to use on roadways on, and adjacent to, campus unless on official university business.
Exceptions
Any deviation from or exemption to this policy must be reviewed and approved in writing by the Office of Campus Safety & Emergency Management.