Winthrop University Police Department

Personal Transport Policy

Whether on roller skates, in-line skates, roller blades, foot-propelled scooters, skateboards, longboards or hover boards, motorized and wheeled personal transport devices can be used across the Winthrop University campus, as a means to get around. Because they share the campus with thousands of others, it is very important that skaters/riders use safety, courtesy and caution, not only for their protection, but also to help ensure pedestrian safety for other members of the University community. Winthrop University sets forth these regulations to make everyone's skating/riding safe, fun and convenient while on campus.

This policy excludes devices that are used for the accommodation of a disability or a medical condition/injury.

Personal Transport Devices

For the sake of this policy, the term "wheeled personal transport device" will include roller skates, in-line skates, foot-propelled scooters and any type of skateboard/longboard, the term "motorized personal transport device" will include Hover Boards, Segways, and any Lithium-battery powered device used for personal transport, the term "skaters" will be used to refer to anyone using a wheeled personal transport device, and the term "riders" will be used to refer to anyone using a motorized personal transport device.

Wheeled Personal Transport (roller skates, in-line skates, skate boards, body boards, foot propelled scooters, etc.)

On the Winthrop University campus, the use of roller skates, in-line skates, foot-propelled scooters, and skateboards/longboards is permitted for individual, point-to-point transportation, on sidewalks, in parking lots, and on university pathways designed for bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Only cautious use of wheeled personal transport devices will be permitted on campus. Therefore, skaters must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, motorized vehicles and bicycles while on pathways and to emergency vehicles in all circumstances, in addition to adhering to all stop and yield signs. Skating and skateboarding for recreation is permitted on the roadway around Winthrop Lake, but is also subject to these guidelines. The use of wheeled personal transport devices is NOT permitted inside of, or within the entrances of any Winthrop University buildings and is further prohibited from all other areas of the campus, including but not limited, to steps and hand rails, wheelchair ramps, flower planters, brick patios, sitting walls, curbs and benches, retaining or landscape walls, etc. Wheeled Personal Transport Devices are allowed to be stored in Winthrop University buildings and residence halls.

Motorized Personal Transport (Hover Boards, Glydes, Segways, etc.)

Similar to skaters, riders are expected to adhere to all stop and yield signs while riding on campus, in addition to yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicycles, and motorized vehicles. While students are permitted to ride motorized personal transport devices on campus, there are safety concerns as it pertains to their storage and charging. Therefore, Hover Boards and all Lithium- Ion battery powered personal transport devices are not permitted in any Winthrop University buildings. Hover Boards may not be stored in any building on the campus of Winthrop University. In addition, Hover Boards and any other lithium-ion battery operated transport devices may not be charged in or within the close proximity outside of any Winthrop University buildings, including Residence Halls, the DiGiorgio Campus Center, and The West Center.

Accountability

If a rider, skater, or skateboarder violates the guidelines and rules set forth in this policy, there are consequences.

  • Students - Subject to being charged with a violation of the Student Conduct Code including but not limited to item IV.4., Behavior or activities which endanger the safety of oneself or others, or CC. Violations of University Policies and Procedures..

  • Non-Students and Visitors: Subject to being asked to leave campus and university property. 

  • For repeat offenders a trespass warning may be issued and an arrest is possible. 

  • All Violators: Subject to having their skateboard, skate equipment, or motorized personal transport device confiscated by the Winthrop University Police Department.