Driver, Cyclist, and Pedestrian Safety

To: The Campus Community
From: Hampton Cantrell, Chief of Security

Caltech Security has recently recorded an increase in safety reports concerning pedestrian and driver safety along California Boulevard. Though no one has been injured in these incidents, we take the safety and security of all members of the campus community seriously and in response to these reports are working with our contractors for the Ginsburg Center construction project and the Pasadena Police Department to implement additional safety measures to reinforce traffic laws and speed limits in the area. These measures may include adjustments to construction fencing, the installation of additional signs, increased patrols, and stationing crossing guards for increased traffic enforcement.

Additionally, we ask for your assistance in keeping the streets around campus safe by following traffic laws, adhering to crossing signals and zones, and paying attention to permanent and temporary street safety signage.

Please follow these best practices for pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety when navigating the streets around campus:

As a driver:

• Follow all traffic laws, including the designated speed limit.
• Scan the road ahead and the sides of the road for pedestrians, bicyclists, and hazards. This is especially critical as you approach crosswalks and crossing areas, which may be marked or unmarked, and at intersections when making a turn. 
• Yield to pedestrians and give cyclists room to navigate. 
• Do not use your cell phone while driving or drive distracted.
• Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at stop signs and lights.
• Avoid aggressive maneuvers.
• Adhere to construction zone driving laws. 

As a pedestrian:

• Make yourself visible to drivers; make eye contact with a driver before stepping out into a roadway.
• Cross in designated crosswalks and adhere to light signals and traffic laws.
• Stand clear of parked cars, hedges, and other obstacles before crossing the street so that drivers can clearly see you.
• Do not rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look in both directions before you cross the road.
• Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.
• Avoid using your phone, including talking or texting, while crossing any roadways.

As a cyclist: 

• Wear a helmet on every ride.
• Wear bright, highly visible clothing, preferably with reflective tape or patches.
• Obey the rules of the road. Stop at stop signs and lights.
• Ride in control at all times. Proceed at a safe speed that permits you to react quickly to unexpected circumstances.
• Large trucks have a blind spot when they turn; avoid riding in the blind spot.
• Ride predictably so motorists get a sense of what you intend to do and can react. 

If you have a concern related to pedestrian safety or traffic around the perimeter of campus, report it to Caltech using this form. This will help Caltech staff members to keep track of incidents and respond to issues. Non-emergency campus-related safety concerns may also be reported directly to Caltech Security at 626-395-4701.

The Pasadena Citizen Service Center website or app may be used to report geolocated traffic safety concerns, submit a city service request, or to report a number of other off-campus issues to the city. 

Thank you for your attention to and support of efforts to maintain the safety and well-being of all members of the campus community.