Refresh your knowledge of campus safety resources and practices with tips from the Georgia Tech Police Department.
Micromobility
Bikes, electric scooters, and other forms of micromobility are convenient options for getting around campus. Micromobility devices are considered vehicles under Georgia law, and users are expected to follow the same rules as drivers: obeying traffic signals and posted signs, yielding to pedestrians, and other rules that apply to vehicles operating on public roadways.
When you’re done riding, secure your bike on a rack and out of the road or sidewalks. While cables are an option, U-locks are harder to cut through and are recommended for all micromobility vehicles by the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD).
Recently, Tech changed its bike registration system to fall under the Department of Parking and Transportation Services. Register your micromobility device for free by visiting the permit purchase website and completing the form. If your micromobility vehicle goes missing, the permit helps GTPD prove ownership. And you can get a free bike helmet when you take GTPD’s short, online Ride Smart course.
Personal Safety and Awareness
Along with registering your bike, you should register your laptop and other valuable belongings. Registering these items can help GTPD recover them if they go missing.
Walk in well-lit areas and avoid being alone, whether inside or outside, especially at night. When driving, park in well-lit areas. GTPD recommends that all Georgia Tech community members download the LiveSafe app, which allows users to quickly and anonymously report suspicious activity to GTPD with text, photos, and videos. Potential criminal activity can also be reported by calling GTPD at 404.894.2500.
During large-scale events, do not allow anyone to follow you through a secure door into campus buildings unless they are known residents. While most dorm rooms at Georgia Tech lock automatically, you should never leave a door open or cracked, even for brief trips.
Alcohol consumption, even one drink, can cause impaired judgment. Monitor your consumption and make sure you have a friend around to stay safe and accountable.
Additional Safety Measures
In addition to the after-hours routes of various Stinger buses, students, faculty, and staff have access to The Stingerette service — an on-demand, shared-ride transportation service available seven days a week from 4:30 p.m. to midnight (excluding Institute holidays and during home football games) to provide safe and efficient evening transportation on Georgia Tech’s campus and the neighborhoods in between.
Parking and Transportation’s Yellow Jacket Voucher Program provides rides to and from Science Square as well as late-night campus travel from midnight to 3 a.m. Safety escorts from GTPD are offered 24/7. If you feel unsafe, call GTPD at 404.894.2500 or through LiveSafe for a safety escort to avoid walking alone at night. The LiveSafe app allows family and friends to track your location, but there are no substitutes for staying alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
Throughout the year, GTPD hosts events such as open houses and official medical training that will help you prepare for an emergency. Learn more at https://police.gatech.edu/
