Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for the safe operation of golf carts and other unlicensed vehicles and personal transportation devices on the campus sidewalks of Anderson University. These guidelines aim to ensure the safety of operators and pedestrians, mitigate liability risks, preserve campus sidewalks and grounds, and promote responsible use of vehicles and personal transportation devices.
Scope
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, vendors, and guests of Anderson University operating a motorized vehicle on campus grounds.
Policy Procedures
- Policy Definitions:
- Sidewalks: Concrete, black top, brick veneer, stamped concrete made to appear like brick.
- Vehicles: Automobiles, golf carts, gators, utility vehicles, and other motorized transport.
- Personal Transportation Devices: Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, uniboards, wheeled footwear, horses, other livestock, and other devices, as determined relevant by the Director of Enterprise Risk and Facilities.
- Vehicle Operator Guidance:
- Prohibited Areas: Due to high traffic volume, golf carts, and unlicensed vehicles must limit driving on streets such as University Boulevard, College Avenue, or Fifth Street to only when necessary. Additionally, all vehicles are prohibited from driving on the small bridge between Edwards Hall and the Helios monument in the Valley; it is for pedestrian use only.
- Right of Way: Pedestrians always have the right of way. Vehicles and personal transportation devices must yield to pedestrians and adjust their speed accordingly.
- The corresponding policy procedures will be activated for the degree of closure determined.
- Behavior Guidelines: No standing up or engaging in horseplay on vehicles. Drivers should avoid making quick turns or sudden stops. Personal transportation devices should not be used inside any university building or on exterior handrails, stairs, monuments, or outdoor furniture.
- Occupancy Limits: Vehicles are to carry only the number of persons they are designed to accommodate. Overloading is strictly prohibited.
- Parking: Vehicles must be parked in appropriate locations with consideration for walking traffic and campus aesthetics. Vehicles must not block entrances to any building.
- Speed Limit:
- While driving in areas with pedestrians, vehicles should operate at the walking speed of a person or less than four mph.
- Maximum speed outside designated sidewalk areas, including Executive Drive, Miracle Drive, and parking lots, should generally not exceed 12 mph or half the speed of campus speed limits posted at 25 mph.
- Sidewalk Usage:
- Heavy vehicles, such as automobiles and utility vehicles, should avoid using sidewalks. Other campus-use vehicles, such as golf carts and gators, are welcome to use sidewalks for travel with respect to pedestrians.
- Personal transportation devices should use sidewalks whenever possible.
- Drivers must avoid driving across curbs, and, if necessary, it should be done slowly to prevent damage to electrical wires and controls, damage to the curb, and to prevent personal injury to operators or pedestrians.
- Vehicle Safety Equipment:
- Departments operating a university vehicle will request a safety equipment check from the Anderson University Police Department and obtain all appropriate safety equipment recommended by the Anderson University Police Department at the expense of the department’s budget.
- Building Proximity:
- Drivers must anticipate pedestrians exiting buildings or coming around corners when driving near buildings and be prepared to stop.
- Reporting Vehicle Accidents or Policy Violations:
- Operators and pedestrians must promptly report any accidents, physical injuries, or damage caused by golf carts to the Office of Police and Security and the relevant department head.
- Violations of this policy should be reported to the Office of Police and Security and the department head of the person in violation.
- Vehicle Driver Agreement:
- Persons permitted to drive vehicles on campus must be aware of and agree to comply with the above expectations.
- For vehicle use on campus, a signed policy agreement and the completion of any currently available university training are required.
- Questions and Concerns:
- Operations questions or concerns about transportation on university sidewalks may be directed to the Director for Enterprise Risk and Facilities or the Vice President for Finance.
- Review and Update:
- This policy, a testament to our shared care, will be reviewed annually and updated to ensure its continued effectiveness. Amendments will be made as needed to address emerging challenges and campus dynamics.
Policy Status
Drafted and submitted by the Policy Advisory Committee. Approved by Cabinet on 05/23/2024.
