PURPOSE

The purpose of the Micro-Mobility Safety Initiative is to promote a safe, sustainable, and data-informed micro-mobility culture at UC Riverside. By addressing rising accident rates, thefts, and infrastructure limitations, the initiative seeks to improve the physical safety and transportation experience of students, faculty, and staff. Grounded in public health principles and participatory evaluation, this initiative aims to enhance campus mobility equity, reduce preventable injuries, and support long-term planning for active transportation systems that align with institutional health and sustainability goals.

CHALLENGE

With the growing use of e-scooters, bikes, and other personal wheeled devices on campus, safety concerns have risen sharply. A 47.1% increase in student accident visits to Student Health Services (2023–2024) and over 115 scooter thefts reported within an eight-month span underscore the urgent need for safer infrastructure, clearer policy enforcement, and targeted education. Survey findings also revealed gaps in rider behavior, infrastructure adequacy, and awareness of micro-mobility rules.

SOLUTION

The Micro-Mobility Safety Initiative implements a multi-pronged approach rooted in behavior change theory, environmental design, and peer-led education. Through device registration, tiered rider education and enforcement, campus-wide helmet and lock distribution campaigns, and a structured repair and reporting system, we are creating a safer riding culture. Infrastructure enhancements—like visible scooter parking, designated riding lanes, and traffic calming measures—complement educational strategies led by Public Health Peer staff. 

IMPACT

Early outcomes are promising. In less than one academic year, the initiative has supported 10,000+ students through outreach, infrastructure improvements, and accident prevention campaigns. The initiative’s evaluation framework, including pre- and post-intervention surveys and community feedback loops, enables continuous quality improvement. Our efforts support UCR’s Bicycle Friendly University goals and broader commitments under the Okanagan Charter.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Micromobility is essential for equitable, low-emission transportation on campus—but it must be safe and sustainable. A data-informed strategy ensures that students, staff, and faculty can confidently use these devices without endangering themselves or others. Safety and accessibility are foundational to campus well-being and student success.

WHAT WE ARE DOING AT UCR

We are implementing a mixed-methods evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of micromobility safety interventions on campus. This includes pre- and post- intervention survey data collection, observational assessments of rider behaviors, and ongoing analysis of incident reports from the UCPD. Program fidelity is monitored through tracking participation in peer-led education efforts, usage rates of helmet and lock distribution programs, and engagement with the TAPS.

In addition, we are conducting environmental scans to identify high-risk zones and measure changes in accessibility and compliance over time. Campus partner feedback, gathered through qualitative responses, focus groups, and tabling events, is used to refine program components iteratively. Our evaluation is guided by continuous improvement principles and alignment with strategic campus priorities.