- October 02, 2025
- By Maryland Today Staff
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Charles R. Reuning and University of Maryland Police Department Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety David B. Mitchell sent the following email to the University of Maryland community on Thursday:
Dear Campus Community,
The University of Maryland is committed to the safety of each member of our campus community. Over the years, the number of micromobility vehicles, including, but not limited to, pedal bicycles, electric bikes and electric scooters, has grown on campus.
The Micromobility Workgroup meets regularly to discuss safety and implementation of micromobility rules on campus. The group currently includes representatives of eleven campus departments and key student organizations. The workgroup members recommended addressing certain safety concerns associated with micromobility by implementing a new University of Maryland Policy and Procedures for the Wearing of Helmets While Riding a Micromobility Vehicle on University Property.
What’s New?
Under this policy, we aim to safeguard Terps and others by requiring anyone operating a micromobility vehicle (as defined in the policy) on university property to wear a helmet at all times. The president approved the interim policy, and it is currently in effect.
Why Require Helmets?
Due to their small size, lack of safety protection and sometimes inexperienced riders, micromobility vehicles can be prone to accidents. It is known that accidents and collisions involving micromobility vehicles often involve head injury, and that wearing helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries.
How Is the University Prioritizing Safety?
In addition to implementing the interim policy, we continue to promote safe behavior in a number of ways. Key steps include reducing the speed limit on campus to 15 mph for all vehicles, including micromobility vehicles, and mandating registration and safety training for owners of personal e-scooters and bikes. The University of Maryland Police Department enforces Maryland state traffic laws on our campus through regular patrols and periodic enforcement events in high-traffic areas.
With this new interim policy, we hope to further safety and reduce head injuries. Our long-term goal is to continue to nurture a safety culture across UMD for everyone who travels across our campus. Thank you for your commitment to this goal. If you have questions about the policy or use of micromobility vehicles in general, please read our FAQ or reach out to the Micromobility Workgroup.
Sincerely,
Charles R. Reuning, M.S., MBA, P.E.
CAPT, CEC, USN (Ret.)
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
David B. Mitchell, J.D.
Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety
University of Maryland Police Department