UM Safe

Speed Watch is designed to educate drivers on their driving habits and to reiterate the legal driving speeds on campus. The program often runs during the months of September and October during the morning and evening hours.

The Security Services department and Manitoba Public Insurance remind drivers to never exceed the posted speed limit and always set your speed according to conditions.

Drivers are always reminded to be aware of their speed. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on all roads on campus is 30km/hr.

UM bicycle policy

Bicycles should be parked only in proper university bicycle racks. Parking and storing of bicycles inside any university building, or in any manner which may create a problem related to pedestrian safety, building access or maintenance is prohibited. Bicycles parked in such a fashion are subject to removal by the university and their owners may be subject to a fee or charge at rates established by the University, from time to time. (Parking Regulations - Section 2.25 Bicycles)

Bikes and the law

• Legislation for regulating bicycle activity falls within the Provincial Highway Traffic Act.
• Operators of bicycles are bound to the same laws as that of motor vehicles.

Cycling tips

• Always wear a helmet and appropriate cycling safety equipment.
• Be visible by wearing bright reflective clothing and by using headlights and a rear light or reflector, which is required by law during night riding.
• Obey all traffic signals.
• Ride on the right side of the road.
• Shoulder check and signal before changing lanes or direction.
• Be alert to the surrounding environment and any possible hazards.
• Yield to crossing traffic when appropriate.
• Position yourself at intersections depending on your intended direction beyond the intersection.
• Position yourself between intersections according to your speed relative to the rest of the traffic and the useable width of the road.
• Always ensure your bicycle is in safe operating condition.

Bike theft prevention

Prevention of bicycle theft (though these are not fool-proof methods but may help to deter a thief):

• Invest in a high-quality, high-grade, heavy duty U-Lock or high-security padlock with a heavy duty, case hardened coated cable or chain. Look for locks that have "hardened" stamped on the shackle. Locks should have a 7/16 hardened alloy steel shackle. If a chain is being used try for as heavy a chain as you can carry on your bike such as a 3/8" (or greater) alloy steel or a 9/32" (or greater) boron steel.
• Lock the bicycle to a bike stand that is in a well-lit, highly populated area. Both wheels and the frame should be secured to the immovable bike stand. The seat should be secured or removed.
• Consider engraving identification numbers on all metal parts of the bicycle. Be sure to properly seal engraved areas to prevent rust.
• Ensure that your bicycle is covered in your insurance policy.

Please report any damage, theft, suspicious activity or criminal activity to Security Services immediately at the non-emergency line 204-474-9312 or the emergency line 555 (#555 on Bell MTS or Roger's Wireless cellular phones).

Pedestrian safety

Ensure your safety when walking from one location to another by following these guidelines.

Before you leave:

• Do not wear restrictive clothing or flashy jewelry.
• Always carry emergency money and keys separate from your purse or wallet.
• If you are leaving the house to go shopping, carry only the methods of payment that you will need. Why carry cash, your chequebook, ATM card and credit cards, when you will not need them all to pay for your purchases?
• Criminals associate purses with money 100 percent of the time. You dramatically decrease the chances of becoming a robbery victim by carrying a belt pack, fanny pack or wallet instead of a purse. Before leaving home, ask yourself if you really have to take your purse. If you decide to take your purse, carry only what you need inside it.
• To reduce the chances of injury in a purse snatching, avoid wrapping the purse strap around your wrist, forearm or shoulder.
• If you are involved in a robbery, cooperate as best you can and give up your money. Remember: your personal safety is the number one priority!

While travelling:

• A lone person is the best target for a criminal: travel in pairs or groups when you can. Using a buddy system is one of the most effective ways to ensure your safety.
• A personal alarm carried in plain view in a person’s hand while walking, is a visible deterrent against being attacked or robbed.
• Be aware of your surroundings and don’t use unfamiliar shortcuts to save time.
• Plan a safe route and stick to it.
• Stay on busy, well-lit streets.
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk.
• Set boundaries and keep a safe distance from strangers on the street.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
• If you are being followed, change directions and head for a populated area.
• Never accept rides from strangers or people you do not know well.
• When you jog or cycle, vary your route and use populated paths.

Vehicle safety

• Ensure your vehicle is in good running order and mechanically sound before leaving for your destination. Keep your gas tank at least a quarter full.
• Always try to park in well-lighted and busy areas. This is important for both your personal safety and the protection of your vehicle and its contents.
• When your vehicle is left unoccupied, all doors should be locked, and windows closed. Never leave the motor running or the key in the ignition when your vehicle is unoccupied. This is an open invitation to a car thief.
• Do not leave valuables or property in plain view inside your vehicle. Keep the vehicle clean and empty of personal items which may attract thieves. Always keep the doors of your vehicle locked.
• Ensure you know the proper route to your destination to avoid having to stop to ask strangers for directions.
• If you feel you are being followed, drive onto the lot of a well-lit, open business. If the vehicle follows you, remain inside your locked car and honk the horn until someone comes to assist you.
• If you observe a vehicle driving carelessly or erratically, do not try to pass it to get away from it. Slow down to let it get ahead of you, and if possible, record the license plate number. Report this vehicle to the police as soon as possible.
• If your vehicle breaks down, try to pull over to the side of the road, turn on your four-way flashers and display a “CALL POLICE” sign in your window. Only open your window an inch to allow someone to talk to you and ask them to call the police for you if you do not have a cellular phone.