UMPD conducted 88 traffic stops for micromobility vehicles last Monday for various traffic violations, including speeding and failing to stop at stop signs.

Of the 88 violations, 85 were warnings and three resulted in citations. Throughout the year, University of Maryland Police periodically enforces traffic violations for bikes and e-scooters, according to UMPD spokesperson Lt. Rosanne Hoaas.

“When we conduct these specific traffic details, it’s not just to enforce, but also to inform and educate,” Hoaas said.

Hoaas said UMPD’s enforcement details cover specific traffic matters, such as sobriety checkpoints, seat belt enforcement, pedestrian enforcement and micromobility violations. These stops help prevent collisions and injuries, Hoaas added.

UMPD is responsible for pulling over individuals who violate micromobility rules on campus, according to Hoaas. Hoaas said when officers observe a micromobility user violating a traffic law, they have the authority to stop that person.

Officers can issue a range of penalties to violators including verbal and written warnings and fines, Hoaas said.

[UMPD has conducted 145 traffic stops for micromobility vehicles this semester]

University President Darryll Pines told The Diamondback that this university’s transportation department and UMPD have worked “diligently” to ensure the campus community remains safe.

“[UMPD] has done a good job educating our community and making sure that state and local laws are enforced,” Pines said.

On Jan. 26, UMPD conducted a similar operation, where they conducted 145 traffic stops, issuing 88 written warnings, eight verbal warnings and 49 citations for bikes and e-scooters, The Diamondback previously reported.

Alusine Amara, a freshman chemistry major, was issued a warning near the chemistry building for failing to stop at a stop sign and wearing headphones while operating his scooter, he said.

Amara said his citation wasn’t fair because he checked for other vehicles and pedestrians before crossing the intersection.

“A bunch of other people passed… while the UMPD officer was getting my information down. A lot of other people were doing the same thing,” Amara said.

[UMD DOTS implements required micromobility training, lower speed limit]

Although Amara only received a warning, wearing headphones while operating a scooter could result in a $60 fine, according to the District Court of Maryland.

According to Hoaas, UMPD officers take into account several factors when deciding whether to ticket someone. For example, UMPD officers are aware through e-tickets if a driver had been stopped previously for the same offense, Hoaas said [CQ].

E-scooters and electric bikes are subject to the same traffic rules as bicycles. Fines can range from $50 to $290 depending on the severity of the violation.

Pines emphasized the importance of certain rules for micromobility vehicles, such as prohibiting users from riding on sidewalks and ensuring users stop at stop signs.

But Matthew Dziewieck, a freshman enrolled in letters and sciences, explained in some circumstances, he needs to ride his bike on the sidewalk when there are too many cars on the road. In these cases, he said it isn’t fair for him to receive a ticket.

“If you’re on a bike or scooter, there’s not always going to be enough room on the street because maybe there are two cars coming in the same direction and you might have to go on the sidewalk,” Dziewieck said.

Moving forward, Hoaas said it is “imperative” for micromobility users and pedestrians to follow all traffic rules.

“It’s not only for their life, but it’s for the lives of others around them,” Hoaas said.