11/09/2026
By Ron Dickerson

Key areas of the UMass Lowell campus will soon be designated as pedestrian safety zones, following recent approval by the Lowell City Council.

Signs have been ordered, with installation planned before the end of the semester. Once installed, these signs will alert drivers to a reduced 20 mph speed limit and will alert motorists that they are entering an area with significant pedestrian activity.

The goal is to reduce vehicle speeds, increase driver awareness and create a safer environment for students, employees and visitors traveling throughout campus.

The safety zones are just one improvement being made to roads and intersections across campus, as coordinated by the Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force that has been at work throughout the year.

UMass Lowell police, in cooperation with Lowell police, have increased patrols and enforcement efforts. At the same time, task force members have worked with city officials, engineers and public safety partners to implement infrastructure improvements.

Highlights and updates of these efforts include:

Rapid-flashing beacons

Funding for rectangular, rapid-flashing signals has been secured, with installation anticipated during the spring construction season for two crossings on Wilder Street.

Funding is still being pursued for installation in additional locations.

Painted crosswalks and sidewalks

A student-led project to design and paint highly visible crosswalks was scheduled to begin on Wilder Street over the past weekend. Creative designs can increase visibility, draw attention to crossing locations and reinforce safe travel behaviors.

Additionally, several nursing students have expressed interest in painting pedestrian safety warnings on sidewalk approaches to crosswalks. Partners in the city have granted permission for this initiative to move forward.

Additional crosswalk repainting on Wilder Street is being coordinated with the city. Preparatory work, including roadway clearing, is being addressed ahead of the project.

Other road improvements

Additional updates to intersections and roadways under development include:

  • A pedestrian-only signal phase at the intersection of Wilder Street and Broadway
  • Enhanced pavement markings
  • Evaluation of curb extensions
  • Further traffic calming measures

The city is also in the design phase for updates to signals along Aiken Street.

Stepped-up enforcement

UMass Lowell police continue heightened patrols and enforcement throughout campus, with the goal of increasing driver awareness, improving compliance with traffic laws and reducing behaviors that place pedestrians and others at risk.

Patrols have focused on areas with high pedestrian traffic and known safety concerns, including:

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

UMass Lowell police have conducted 2,500 traffic safety patrols and motor vehicle stops since the beginning of the year. In addition, Lowell police have issued 566 traffic citations on campus-adjacent roadways.

Enforcement efforts continue, as pedestrian safety remains a priority for both departments.

Data analysis and planning

The university also continues to coordinate a comprehensive traffic and pedestrian behavior study using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology.

Working with Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Yuanchang Xie, the university has completed a study at the Olney bus stop/Riverside Street crossing area, confirming the need for a future pedestrian crossing at that location.

Additional studies and traffic counts are planned for Aiken Street this month. The analysis includes data on vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, scooters and other micro-mobility activity.

Lighting survey

UMass Lowell police officers recently conducted a comprehensive survey of lighting coverage across campus and adjacent areas.

With shorter daylight hours and reduced visibility during the winter months, ensuring adequate lighting remains a key component of pedestrian and traffic safety.

Deficiencies identified during the survey have been flagged for repair. Results of the survey were also shared with the Student Government Association.

Pedestrian and driver education

The university continues to expand educational efforts to improve pedestrian and driver safety awareness.

Messages distributed through social media remind members of our community and the general public to follow best practices as drivers and pedestrians, and when traveling by bicycle or scooter. These messages are also in place on university buses and in bus shelters.

Additionally, “Look Both Ways” sidewalk markings have been installed across campus.

The Campus Pedestrian Safety Task Force continues working with staff, faculty and students — as well as community stakeholders — to identify areas of concern, evaluate enhancements and develop strategies to improve mobility and safety.

While the task force is deploying many approaches, the most effective strategy remains the active involvement of everyone who travels through our campus. Whether walking, driving, cycling or using a scooter, each member of the community plays a role in maintaining a safe environment.

Should you have questions, concerns or suggestions regarding any of these strategies — or safety initiatives in general — please contact UMass Lowell police.