Four ways to commute safely across campus this semester

Blazers can commute across campus on foot or on wheels, or by using online or on-demand services.The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a large urban campus that expands across 105 city blocks and occupies more than 100 primary buildings. When Blazers are looking to commute across campus, there are four modes of transportation available to get to their next meeting or class destination.

On foot

Traveling by foot provides the opportunity to get exercise and fresh air while commuting across campus. One UAB expert provides tips on how to be a safe pedestrian on campus.

David Schwebel, Ph.D., associate vice president for Research Facilities and Infrastructure and director of the UAB Youth Safety Lab in the College of Arts and Sciences, studies pedestrian behavior and says his research has shown that using the phone while walking significantly increases one's risk of injury.

"If you're on the phone, text-messaging, browsing the internet or listening to music, it greatly increases your risk of being hit by a car," Schwebel said. "Walking involves a fair amount of complex thinking. Our brain has to work hard to make sure we walk safely, especially near traffic. Our brain also has to work hard to text-message. It has to think about what we're reading, how to respond and how to type. Brains can handle only so much. If we give the brain too much to do, mistakes can happen."

In the City of Birmingham, it is against city ordinance to cross a street anywhere but a crosswalk, and jaywalkers can receive a fine and must pay court costs to contest it. Schwebel explains that walking is just like driving - laws need to be followed for safety reasons.

"Drivers wouldn't run a red light or dart their vehicles into an intersection when traffic is coming the other way, so why do some pedestrians feel that is OK?" Schwebel asked. "When you jaywalk, you are openly and blatantly breaking the law, which you don't usually do when driving near intersections; but many pedestrians feel it's justified."

Pedestrians also need to take extra precautions and look both ways before using a crosswalk, even if they have the right of way.

On wheels

UAB is committed to creating a bike-friendly culture in and around campus. In fall 2019, designated bike lanes along 10th Avenue South were opened in collaboration with the City of Birmingham.

It is important to follow safety precautions for oneself and others when using micromobility vehicles such as bikes and scooters.

• Riders should own a helmet that fits snugly when buckled and secure it in place before taking off on a manual or electric bicycle or scooter.
• Riders must obey traffic laws.
• Riders can park vehicles only in designated bike racks.

Learn how improper parking of bicycles and scooters can make campus inaccessible for some.

Blazers can register their bikes with UAB Transportation to help in the event of stolen or abandoned property. Click here to read UAB's bike and other wheeled mobility devices policy.

Online

The Blazer Express Transit System provides transportation across the UAB campus and medical district. Students, employees and authorized visitors can enjoy fare-free bus transportation along designated routes.

Blazers can view bus routes and track the buses using the live map on the TransLoc app that is available for download on mobile devices. For instructions on app use, click here.

On-demand

UAB Transportation has three additional on-demand services that are available to students, faculty and staff during specific hours.

Blaze Ride offers service for employees and students with limited mobility from 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Students must register with Disability Support Services and employees with AWARE Disability Management. Once registered, Blazers can request a ride through the TransLoc app or by calling 205-934-3514.

Safety Escort is a late-night, on-demand van service that is in service from 9 p.m.-5:30 a.m. Blazers can use the TransLoc app or call 205-934-3514 during these hours to request a ride across campus.

The Motorist Assistance Roadside Service is a free service to Blazers parked on campus. MARS can assist with a dead battery, putting air in flat tires or retrieving keys from locked cars.

Service is available weekdays from 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., excluding holidays. To contacts MARS, call 205-975-6277.

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