UTRGV: signs up for safety - The Rider Newspaper

_{A UTRGV student bikes on the Bronc Trail Feb. 13 on the Edinburg campus. Abigail Ollave/THE RIDER}

UTRGV is launching a safety campaign to educate students about the proper use of personal transportation devices (PTDs) on campus, amid a rise in scooter and bike misuse on the Bronc Trail in Edinburg.

“[Students] riding their bike or using their skateboard are trying to get [to class in a hurry,]” said Esmeralda Guerra, assistant chief of police, in an interview with The Rider. “They’re not out there with the intent of wanting to harm somebody but it could be reckless … because there are pedestrians walking [on] the [Bronc Trail.] So, they need to be aware of the consequences.”

There has been a rise in scooter and PTD usage on the Edinburg campus, with two injuries reported last year, one of them requiring hospitalization, she said.

“We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone on campus,” said the assistant chief. “Educating our community about the proper use of PTDs is crucial in preventing future accidents.”

Guerra encourages UTRGV students to use transportation devices, but to understand that under the Personal Transportation Riding Devices policy ADM 10-904, certain areas are restricted.

The policy prohibits riding on covered walkways and pedestrian bridges. Riders are also required to dismount and walk their devices across crosswalk and other designated areas, she said.

Repeated negligence might lead to academic and possible legal consequences for students ignoring the policy.

“If it continues to be a concern, then we’ll probably, you know, implement a citation,” Guerra said. “And it’s going to cost them a fee.”

The policy also clearly outlines registration requirements for bikes and prohibited parking areas.

She said that students can use campus outlets to charge their electric scooters, as long as they avoid blocking entrances, hallways and adhere to ADA compliance regulations.

Guerra is hopeful that the new campaign will educate and raise awareness to promote responsible PTD use on campus. The safety campaign includes community presentations, training sessions and updated signage across the campus.

She said University Marketing and Communications “jumped on board with the safety campaign” and assisted in putting educational information regarding the policy on social media.

Abigail Ollave/THE RIDER VIDEO

“This type of safety campaign requires multiple divisions [and] departments within the university,” Guerra said. “It’s like they say, ‘it takes a village to get things done.’”

One member of that village is Richard Costello, director of Environmental Health, Safety & Risk Management, whose department is responsible for installing new signage.

“When we did our walk-through, we found there’s really not a lot of signage that indicates you’re not supposed to be on the Bronc Trail,” Costello told The Rider.

“Every so often … I’ll see somebody [riding a PTD] and say ‘hey, you’re not allowed to be [on the Bronc Trail]’ and they say, ‘show me the sign’ and somehow I can’t find it.”

Costello said the university acknowledged the need for improved signage and hopes the new signs will be installed within the next two to three weeks along the Bronc Trail and at all main campus entrances.

“Visible signage is essential for effectively communicating our policies,” he said. “However, enforcement is also crucial to address situations where individuals disregard the rules.”

Costello also highlighted the importance of situational awareness for both pedestrians and PTD riders.

“We have observed many individuals using earbuds and cell phones while on campus, which can lead to dangerous situations,” he said. “It’s important for everyone to be aware of their surroundings and show respect for others when using motorized devices.”

Enforcing the rules is a challenge, but the assistant chief believes community support is key.

“We encourage everyone to follow the PTD policy and prioritize safety,” Guerra said. “If you see someone violating the policy, please report it to the UTRGV Police Department.”

To report policy violations, call 882-4911.

Guerra said that when reporting a violation to provide a detailed description of the incident, including the location, time and any identifying information about the rider or device.

“As a community, we have to help each other to keep our campus safe,” she said. “Just like you will report a suspicious person … it’s the same thing. You see something that might harm somebody, let’s address it.”

_{The university does not permit bicycles, skateboards, golf carts or other personal transportation devices along the covered walkway. Abigail Ollave/THE RIDER}