Central Campus will be a wheels-free zone beginning fall 2026

UNC Charlotte will have a new pedestrian-only zone starting this fall. Wheeled devices like scooters and bicycles will be prohibited on Central Campus.

The new “wheels-free” policy addresses a growing safety concern, as high-speed personal devices become more popular and the risk to pedestrians increases.

Students traveling to Central Campus on these devices may store them at an available public bike rack and walk the rest of the way to their destination, or walk alongside their device when crossing through the pedestrian zone.

This policy is one of the first steps in a broader plan for a safer, more accessible campus. Current plans include adding new protected bike lanes, larger device parking hubs, dedicated device charging stations and more infrastructure to support cyclists and other riders.

The goal is to make campus safer and more navigable for all students, faculty and staff, regardless of whether they drive, ride or walk on campus.

devices affceted

The rule applies to all personal “mobility devices,” as defined in the Parking Ordinance Article I, Section 1, including but not limited to:

• Scooters (both human-powered and electric)
• Bicycles (both human-powered, electric or pedal-assist)
• Skateboards
• Hoverboards
• Segways
• Roller skates
• Other wheeled devices

The policy does not apply to personal mobility devices for disability accommodation recognized by the Office of Accessibility and Accommodation or by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

pedestrian zone boundaries

For the purposes of the new policy, Central Campus includes all quads, sidewalks and pathways encompassed by Craver Road, Mary Alexander Road, University Road and Cameron Boulevard. It also includes the Popp Martin Student Union, its surrounding walkways and crosswalks.

Signs will be posted around the boundary of Central Campus so riders know when to dismount.

Students may still ride devices on roads and pathways surrounding Central Campus as long as they follow the rules set by PaTS transportation policy:

• Always yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks.
• When riding near pedestrians, reduce speed, provide audible warnings and stop if necessary to prevent a collision.
• When on the street, follow rules of the road for motor vehicles, including respecting speed limits, stopping at intersections and following traffic signals.
• Do not operate devices inside campus buildings or parking decks.

vehicle restrictions

Vehicles like trucks and golf carts will also be prohibited from driving on pathways inside the pedestrian zone unless they are given permission to perform essential functions such as landscaping and deliveries.

Departments should work with Facilities Management to determine if their vehicles are approved for use in Central Campus.

storing devices

Existing policy states that mobility devices are not allowed inside academic and services buildings on campus.

Students can store scooters, bikes and other mobility devices at public bike racks throughout campus. Resident students should check their housing agreement for rules about storing devices inside residence halls.

Written by: Joanna Savold