New Policy Aimed at Creating Safer Roadways for the Baylor Campus Community

Baylor’s Department of Public Safety recently approved a new Traffic, Transportation, and Parking Policy for the University. One of the most notable inclusions in the policy is the prohibition of texting while driving or cycling on campus, unless hands-free technology is used. Already a law under the Texas Transportation Code, no texting while driving is also now an offense on Baylor’s roadways and may result in a Baylor citation.

“Our goal as Baylor’s Department of Public Safety is to continuously work to enhance safety at the University. From law enforcement to technical security to emergency preparedness to fire prevention, we are constantly seeking opportunities to create a safer campus environment,” said Mark G. Childers, associate vice president of public safety and security.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.

With the staggering statistics associated with distracted drivers, Baylor Police Chief Brad Wigtil said it was imperative that the new policy addresses that potential danger.

“With the new policy, we wanted to make sure we focused on cellphone use and mirror Texas law in that regard,” Wigtil said. “Safety of the overall campus community is our main priority and the Traffic, Transportation, and Parking Policy is an extension of that. It is another tool at our disposal to help us ensure the safety of the campus community.”

Other aspects of the traffic policy include a reduced speed limit of 20 mph on campus roads, along with the regular rules of the road applying to Baylor streets.

Additionally, bicycle safety is a priority area of the policy. Since the spring of 2018, bike registration has been mandatory at Baylor. A streamlined process helps facilitate registration, making it simple and quick, said Matt Penney, director of parking and transportation services.

“You take a picture of the side of the bicycle,” Penney said. “You click a picture of the serial number, which is usually underneath the pedals. Then, you send those pictures to bike@baylor.edu. We will complete the registration and then prepare a registration decal for you to pick up.”

Cyclists also are required to follow the rules of the road in accordance to the Texas Transportation Code, which includes not riding a bicycle on sidewalks, ramps and patios unless there is a designated bicycle path or lane. Bicycles are not allowed to be parked or stored at the entranceways, stairs, ramps or railings. Violating traffic rules could result in a Baylor citation for cyclists.

“It is really important for cyclists to understand the importance of riding and parking their bikes on campus. We want to make sure that all of the pathways are accessible to those with disabilities and pedestrians,” Penney said.

To view the Traffic, Transportation, and Parking Policy, visit www.baylor.edu/dps.