Safe transportation

Walk with Purpose

Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Choose well-lighted and busy streets; avoid vacant lots and alleys. Know your neighborhood and the neighborhood at your destination. Carry your bag close to your body with a firm grip, and make sure that it is fully zipped or secured. Avoid carrying a bag altogether, if possible, and keep belongings in your coat or side pocket. Don’t use your cell phone or headphones while walking.



Alert and Careful Driving

Drive with car doors locked. Keep windows rolled up whenever possible. Park in well-lighted areas. Always leave your car locked. Be alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages. Don’t sit waiting in your parked car. Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns. Plan your route in advance, particularly on long or unfamiliar trips.




Alert and Careful Cycling

Wear a helmet. Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. Ride with traffic, not against it. Ride in established bike lanes when available. Stay alert at all times, particularly in intersections, and look and listen for hazards. Don’t assume car drivers will see you. Use hand signals for turning and stopping.

Avoid riding at night, and if you must, wear something reflective. Avoid busy streets or highways. Don’t carry items in your hands while riding. Don’t ride a bicycle while impaired with drugs or alcohol. Be aware of your surroundings – know that robberies can occur while you ride a bike.


Safely Ride Public Transportation

Use stops that are well lit. Know the schedule and use mobile apps to avoid unnecessary waiting. Travel with a friend when possible. If on a bus, sit near the driver. Don’t fall asleep. Keep your belongings close to you.



Ride Share Precautions

Wait for the driver indoors. Confirm the driver and vehicle are correct before entering. Don’t share private information with the driver. Ride in the backseat. Tell a friend where you are going.




Additional information and resources

  • By foot, bus, train, shuttle, bike, or even ride-share: You can get around the University of Chicago neighborhood in many ways. UChicago offers multiple transit options for students, faculty, and staff, with many of the options free-of-charge and others discounted for students.
  • The University provides free daytime shuttles service around the campus area and portions of the neighboring communities as a safe and convenient way for students, faculty, other academic appointees, postdoctoral researchers, staff, and University of Chicago Medicine employees to get around.



  • The UGo NightRide Shuttle routes cover the campus core as well as the Hyde Park neighborhood with shuttles that leave every 15-30 minutes. Riders can access a shuttle within one to two blocks of nearly every building on campus. All College Housing residence halls are designated NightRide shuttle stops as well.





  • Students can use up to 10 free Lyft rides each month (within the current NightRide service area during the academic year, starting at 9 pm Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, through 4 am the following days.



  • Members of the University community can call 773.702.8181 to request a safety escort at any time within the UCPD’s patrol area. The first available patrol or security officer will be sent to escort you to your destination.





  • In addition to the University’s Mobile Safety App, you can get real-time information about the locations of buses and trains using mobile apps. Use TransLoc for UChicago shuttle information, and the Ventra app to see when the next city-run bus or train will arrive at your stop.

    2021-2022 Transportation and Parking Guide