06-09.03 – Policy on Personal Mechanical Conveyance

  1. Policy Statement

    Towson University (“University”) permits the use of Personal Mechanical Conveyance (PMC) such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, scooters, etc. on campus as described in this policy. The University is committed to creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive educational environment for people of all abilities. This policy does not apply to wheelchairs and other mobility aids used by individuals with mobility impairments. Nor does this policy apply to PMC that are approved as reasonable accommodations under TU Policy 06-21.00.

  2. Reason for Policy

    The purpose of this policy is to minimize the risk of personal injury and damage to University property resulting from the possession and/or use of PMC, as well as to protect the health, safety, and well-being of the University community. This policy applies to all persons (except the Towson University Police Department [TUPD]) possessing or operating any PMC on University property. This includes any land, roads, sidewalks, shared use paths, open areas, buildings, parking decks, residence halls, or facilities owned, leased, or controlled by the University and contiguous sidewalks.

  3. Definitions:

    1. “Campus” means any road, building, structure, parking garage, field, walkway, pedestrian route, sidewalk, greenspace, or flower bed on University property.
    2. “Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (PAMD)” means a self-balancing, single­ wheeled, two-wheeled, or multi-wheeled device with a gas, petroleum, electric or another type of propulsion system designed to transport one or more individuals by means other than only human propulsion. Examples include, but are not limited to, any electric/battery/gas/petroleum powered scooter, pedal cycle, Segway, hoverboard, power board, skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates, and any similar device.
    3. “Personal Mechanical Conveyance (PMC)” means a PAMD or any human­ powered mechanical device. Human-powered PMC includes, but is not limited to, pedal cycles, skateboards, scooters, in-line skates, and roller skates.
    4. “Shared Use Paths” means a roadway that is physically separated from motorized vehicle traffic by either open space or a barrier. Shared use paths are generally open to any form of motorized and non-motorized travel, including pedestrians (walkers, joggers, and runners), bicycles, e-bikes, electric scooters, roller skates, wheelchairs, scooters, and horses.
    5. “Sidewalk” means a part of a road that is intended for use by pedestrians and is between (i) the lateral curb lines or, in the absence of curbs, the lateral boundary lines of a roadway and (ii) the adjacent property lines.
    6. “Pedestrian Route” means a paved, concrete, stone, or brick pathway, commonly used by pedestrians on campus.

  4. Responsible Executive and Office

    Responsible Executive(s):
    Senior Vice President for Campus Operations
    Senior Vice President for Student Affairs

    Responsible Office(s):
    Office of Public Safety

  5. Entities Affected by this Policy

    This policy applies to all University faculty, staff, students, vendors, and visitors.

  6. Operation of PMC on Campus

    1. The University permits the possession and use of PMC on campus provided that the operator:
      1. Follows all applicable University policies and procedures, local and state laws, regulations, and procedures, and traffic control directives, including, but not limited to, Md. Code Ann., Trans.§ 11-101, et. seq., and TUPD Directive — 2.439 Skateboards, Roller Blades, Roller Skates, Bicycles, Scooters, etc.;
      2. Maintains a reasonable and prudent speed while operating under the existing conditions; and
      3. Assumes full responsibility and liability for any damage or injury caused by the possession, storage, use, or operation of the PMC.
    2. PMC may not be used or operated inside any University buildings, residence halls, parking garages or facilities, unless prior approval has been granted in writing by the Senior Vice President for Operations or Senior Vice President for Student Affairs.
    3. Authorized University affiliates may use University-owned or -procured electric off­ road (4 wheel) vehicles (including electric or battery-powered golf carts, Gators, utility vehicles, and cargo vehicles) on campus. Personal electronic off-road (4 wheel) vehicles are prohibited on campus.
    4. The University reserves the right to restrict the use of any PMC mode deemed unsafe or disruptive. All operators must ride on designated shared use paths, sidewalks, or roadways and must dismount in any areas not designated as such. Areas prohibited for operation include all locations cited in Section VI.B. (above), as well as narrow paths, stairs, campus lawns, flower beds, and the Glen Woods.

  7. PMC Parking, Storage, and Charging

    1. Under no circumstances shall an individual park, store, or charge any PAMD inside any University building, residence hall, or facility due to the risk of fire and/or explosion. PAMD may only be charged, parked, and stored in specifically designated locations.
    2. PMC shall not be parked or stored on or at ramps or entrances or otherwise impede access to or egress from University buildings, pedestrian pathways, residence halls, and facilities.
    3. Infrastructure for storage of PMC and charging depots for PAMD may be provided at the University's discretion based on safety and operational needs.
    4. The University may move and impound any PMC parked, stored, or charged in manner that violates this policy. Please contact TUPD for questions or concerns about impounded PMC.

  8. Procedures

    Please see the Procedures for University Policy on Personal Mechanical Conveyance

  9. Policy/Procedure Violations

    1. Violation(s) of this policy or its procedures may be reported to the Office of Public Safety, TUPD, the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices, or the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
    2. Individuals found in violation of this policy or its procedures are subject to disciplinary action by the Office of Human Resources, the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices, or the Office of Housing and Residence Life and/or citation by the Office of Public Safety or TUPD.

Related Policies:

TU Policy 06-09.00 — Institutional Traffic Regulations

USM Policy VI-9.00 — Policy on Establishment of lnstitutional Traffic Regulations

TU Policy 08-01.21 — Lost or Abandoned Currency or Property

USM Policy VIII- 1.21 — Policy on Lost or Abandoned Currency or Tangible Personal Property on University System Premises

TU Policy 06-21.00 — Providing Reasonable Accommodations to Individuals with Disabilities Policy

TUPD Directive - 2.439 Skateboards, Roller Blades, Roller Skates, Bicycles, Scooters, etc.

Approval Date: February 17, 2025

Effective Date: July 21, 2025

Reviewed By: President's Cabinet

Signed By: President Mark R. Ginsberg

How to Request the Policy PDF

This online version of the policy may include updated links and names of departments. To request a PDF of the original, signed version of this policy, email the Office of the General Counsel, .