The University of Maryland DOTS has implemented a mandatory micromobility training course for students, among other new safety measures for the 2024-25 academic year.
The Department of Transportation Services’ sustainability and marketing teams developed the training course, which went into effect in July. Students must complete the course and obtain a certificate before registering their privately owned electric micromobility vehicles for use on campus.
The course was created to inform vehicle owners of their rights and responsibilities on campus roads.
Last fall, DOTS began requiring privately owned electric micromobility vehicles to register with the department. Since then, about 2,400 vehicles have been registered, according to Marta Woldu, DOTS’ assistant director of sustainability initiatives. This figure prompted DOTS to develop a more comprehensive educational plan for micromobility users on campus, Woldu said.
“There’s still a huge need to not only educate riders about their responsibilities but also just set expectations and help build new policies to manage this growing number of travelers on these devices,” Woldu said.
The new course contains six modules covering issues such as campus regulations, Maryland state laws, enforcement and disciplinary action, safety procedures and more.
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The last day for micromobility vehicle registration is Sept. 18. If vehicles are not registered before this date, they may not be operated on campus, Woldu said.
For students unable to go visit the DOTS office during business hours, the department will provide opportunities for students to register at multiple locations around campus throughout the final registration week, Woldu added.
Federico Lagman, a freshman accounting major, said he recently registered the e-scooter he uses to move around campus. The course was easy and beneficial, he said.
With the growing number of micromobility vehicles on campus, safety also includes pedestrian awareness.
Gemma Davitian, a freshman enrolled in letters and sciences and women’s soccer player, has had her e-scooter for two months and uses it to travel quickly to and from practice and class.
“It is a little bit hard to avoid pedestrians during the school day because there is a lot of people everywhere but most people don’t really look up while walking,” Davitain said. “It’s important to pay attention when riding your scooter.”
DOTS’ ongoing Bikeways Project seeks to establish an extensive network of dedicated bike paths and cycle tracks on campus, according to Woldu.
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“Having a dedicated place to ride, especially given the higher volume of vehicles, will certainly create a safer campus environment,” Woldu said.
Lagman said riding micromobility vehicles at certain times, especially during the mornings, can be “difficult” due to the volume of pedestrians and cars on the roadways.
The campus speed limit was reduced from 20 mph to 15 mph this semester, according to a campuswide Aug. 21 email from university vice president Carlo Colella.
With more pedestrians on campus, lower speeds significantly enhance reaction times and improve overall safety, according to Woldu.
“At lower speeds, travelers can be a lot more predictable to each other and be able to anticipate other vehicles, especially when you’re operating in a mixed modal environment,” Woldu said.
