10/01/2026
By Ron Dickerson

The Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force has been at work since last winter to improve conditions across the UMass Lowell campus.

UMass Lowell police, in cooperation with Lowell police, have stepped up patrols and enforcement. At the same time, task force members have worked in collaboration with city and local police partners to implement engineering improvements, initiate data-driven analysis, ensure adequate lighting and launch educational initiatives to create a safer traffic and pedestrian environment across our campus.

The following are highlights of our team’s work over the past six months.

Increased Patrols

Since Jan. 1, 2026, UMass Lowell police have conducted 2,107 traffic safety patrols and motor vehicle stops in and around campus. These are intended to increase driver awareness, improve compliance with traffic laws and reduce behaviors that put pedestrians and others at risk.

Enforcement efforts have focused on areas with large numbers of pedestrians and known traffic concerns, including:

  • Aiken Street and Perkins Street
  • Aiken Street and Hall Street
  • Meehan Way (formerly University Avenue)
  • Broadway Street
  • Wilder Street

This work has been supported by enforcement activity conducted by Lowell police. Through last week, Lowell officers had issued 566 traffic citations on campus-adjacent roadways since the beginning of the year.

Engineering Improvements

The task force has planned and initiated a number of updates to intersections and crosswalks across UMass Lowell’s campus that are designed to heighten awareness among pedestrians and drivers. The university and city also continue to pursue projects designed to raise pedestrian visibility while reducing the likelihood of an accident.

Funding has been secured for new rapid flashing beacons planned at Aiken and Hall streets; Wilder Street near the McGauvran Student Center; and Olney Street at Riverside Street. These projects are currently in the city of Lowell’s contracting process.

Additional improvements under development include a pedestrian-only signal phase at the intersection of Wilder Street and Broadway; enhanced pavement markings; evaluation of curb extensions; and other traffic-calming measures. The city has also begun final design work on upgrades to traffic signals along Aiken Street, with bidding anticipated this winter and construction expected next summer.

Data Analysis

To support future safety initiatives, the university is coordinating a comprehensive traffic and pedestrian behavior study using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology.

This study will be conducted in partnership with Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Yuanchang Xie and will collect data on vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles and micromobility vehicles in select areas.

Lighting Survey

UMass Lowell police last week completed a comprehensive survey of lighting coverage across campus and adjacent areas. The onset of winter means earlier sunsets and reduced visibility, which is a safety concern for drivers as well as pedestrians.

Deficiencies were identified and repairs ordered, where needed, as part of the survey. Campus police contacted city and state agencies in cases where lighting installations are not maintained by the university.

Pedestrian and Driver Education

We also continue to expand educational initiatives. Recent efforts include pedestrian, driver, bicycle and scooter safety messages distributed via social media; posters displayed on university buses and at bus shelters; and a new pedestrian safety video campaign featuring Rowdy. In addition, "Look Both Ways" sidewalk markings are being installed across campus to reinforce safe pedestrian behaviors.

Other Efforts

The Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force is exploring other approaches to further enhance safety and engage our community. For example, the task force is discussing opportunities for students to design and paint highly visible crosswalks. These creative designs can increase visibility, draw attention to pedestrian crossing locations and reinforce safe travel behaviors.

The task force will continue working with university departments, students, municipal partners and others to identify areas of concern, evaluate enhancements and develop strategies to improve mobility and safety. All of these are designed to create a safer environment for everyone.

However, the best strategy for improving campus safety remains the attention and engagement of everyone who travels on our campus, whether you’re walking, driving or riding a scooter. It’s up to each one of us to create a safe environment for all of us.

Please contact UMass Lowell police with questions or suggestions regarding these efforts.