Pedestrian Only Zone Program

Yes. The program restricts riding or operating wheeled devices within the zone. Individuals may walk their bicycle or other wheeled devices through the area. 

Individuals using wheeled devices should use the designated routes around the Pedestrian Only Zone. Maps showing recommended routes are provided to help bicyclists, scooter users, and other navigate around the pilot area. 

No, this is a pilot program for Fall 2026. The university will use the pilot period to better understand pedestrian safety, transportation patterns, operational impacts, and the experiences of the campus community before considering whether a permanent program is appropriate.

The initial focus of the pilot is education, awareness, and evaluation. Pedestrian Safety Ambassadors and university personnel will be present at various times to help explain the program, answer questions, and encourage safe behavior. 

The university will review information collected during the pilot, including observations, operational impacts, survey responses, and feedback from the campus community. This information will help inform future decisions about pedestrian safety and whether a permanent pedestrian only program should be considered.

The program provides an opportunity to evaluate how a pedestrian only area functions in the core of campus before considering whether a permanent program may be appropriate. The university will use observations, data, and feedback from students, faculty, staff, and visitors to help evaluate the program. 

The zone is located within the core of the UMass Amherst campus. Please refer to the Pedestrian Only Zone map for the specific boundaries of the pilot program area and recommended routes around the zone. 

Within the zone, individuals may not ride or drive wheeled devices including, but not limited to:

• Bicycles - traditional or motorized
• Scooters
• Electric vehicles and golf carts
• Inline and roller skates
• Segways
• Skateboards
• All motorized and wheeled vehicles

Yes, emergency vehicles are permitted within the zone. State approved and university/vendor approved vehicles may also enter when necessary to perform work in the area and when the work cannot reasonable be completed using another route.

The Pedestrian Only Zone is not intended to restrict or redirect the use of mobility devices by individuals with disabilities. Accessibility and ensuring that everyone can safely and effectively navigate campus are important considerations throughout the pilot program.

Generally, the answer is no. However, to support essential university operations, a very limited number of Pedestrian Only Zone Access Passes may be issued during the Fall 2026 pilot. 

The purpose of these passes is not to provide general golf cart access to the zone. Golf carts and other wheeled vehicles should remain outside the Pedestrian Only Zone whenever reasonable possible. 

Access passes may be considered when there is a specific operational need that cannot reasonable be addressed another way, including:

• Event setup, operations, or breakdown within the core of campus.
• Transportation of equipment, supplies, or personnel for a university event.
• Escorting or transporting individuals as part of a university event or activity.
• Supporting large or high-profile campus events and associated logistics.
• Other essential university operations where vehicle access is necessary.

These examples do not automatically qualify for a pass. Requests will be reviewed based on the specific operational need and the ability to reasonably complete the activity without vehicle access.

How do I request a Pedestrian Only Zone Access Pass?

Departments should first consider whether the activity can be completed without entering the zone. If access is necessary, please identify the operational need and submit a request with the following information:

• Contact name
• Department or unit
• Reason access is needed
• Date(s), time(s), or frequency access is anticipated

Requests should be submitted by email to @email. Approved passes are only for the specific operational need identified in the request and do not provide general or unrestricted access to the Pedestrian Only Zone.

For questions about the Fall 2026 Pedestrian Only Zone Pilot Program, please contact Jeff Hescock, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Environmental Health & Safety and Emergency Management.