Traffic Navigation

Share the Road

Campus is a busy place–an urban campus means traffic flows through UW-Madison at all times of day. People get around using a variety of methods: walking, taking the bus, biking, driving, and more. Make sure you know traffic laws to help ensure your safety and that of others.

Badgers share the road!

  • Obey all signs and signals – pay attention!
  • Do not exceed the speed limit. Most UW campus streets have a 20 mph speed limit.
  • Yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
  • Give cyclists a minimum of three (3) feet of clearance when passing.
  • Expect cyclists to sometimes take up the whole travel lane – it’s their right in many areas!
  • Don’t drive distracted. Keep your eyes on the road and keep phones put away.
  • Be vigilant at intersections (and in general) for unpredictable behavior of other road users.
  • Follow all rules intended for motorists. In Wisconsin you are considered a vehicle!
  • Ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic.
  • Ride as far to the right on the road as you feel safe.
  • Ride single or double file, but single up when other vehicles are passing.
  • Look behind you before turning or changing lanes. Signal your intentions!
  • Be respectful of pedestrians. Slow down and alert them when passing.
  • Use sidewalks whenever possible.
  • If you must walk in the street, walk against traffic and, if necessary, step out of the road to let vehicles pass.
  • Cross the street at a crosswalk.
  • Obey pedestrian crossing signals where present.
  • Make yourself visible to motorists and be vigilant at intersections (and in general) for unpredictable behavior of others.

Mopeds and motorcycles follow the rules for motorists.

Skateboards and unlicensed scooters

  • Skateboards and unlicensed scooters are considered “play vehicles” in Wisconsin and do not have the right to operate on public streets.
  • If operating on sidewalks or paths, you may not operate using power.
  • Always proceed slowly and yield to other users.