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Be Active: Walking Resources

Walking is a free and healthy transportation alternative. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Downtown Mall or the Grounds of U.Va while you alleviate your traffic frustrations and improve your health.

Tips and Reminders

• Always look both ways before crossing the street. Always obey lighted cross walk signs.
• Pay attention to your surroundings, even during the day. Avoid talking on your cellphone or listening to headphones when walking in busy parking lots or through congested intersections.
• When walking at night, wear reflective clothing and consider not wearing headphones.
• Use lighted pathways when available and avoid walking alone at night.
• There are more than 200 blue light phone in place around the University of Virginia. Telephones are in every dormitory, along frequently traveled sidewalks, and in parking lots. Some academic buildings also have phones. These phones dial directly into the University Police department. If you need assistance, just activate a blue phone and state the problem. A police officer will respond. Blue Phone locations are listed on the Lighted Pathway Map.
• Never walk down a train track; it's illegal and it's dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision. Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
• More Safety Tips and Reminders (U.Va Police)

NuRide

• NuRide is an online ride matching and alternative transportation rewards program available for free to all U.Va faculty, staff and students as well as commuters in the greater Charlottesville region.
• Cyclists can track their bike trips to earn points that can be redeemed for retailer discounts, restaurant coupons and tickets to attractions.
• Sign up today for free to start earning rewards: NuRide at U.Va

Community Resources

• Bicycling and Walking in Virginia (VDOT)
  State Laws and Safety Tips, hiking/biking trails and maps, and the Safe Routes to School Program
• BikeWalk Virginia: Virginia Trails
  Non-Profit Organization promoting a more active, safe, clean, and healthy Virginia where everyone can enjoy the benefits of walking, biking, hiking, paddling, and horseback trail riding for recreation or transportation.
• National Center for Bicycling and Walking
  Offers a wealth of information for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Outdoor Adventure Social Club
  Charlottesville Area Club engaging in outdoor adventures, social activites, and group charters. Membership encouraged.
• Local Motion: Active Living in Charlottesville/Albemarle
  Community based program offering support, information and reminders about staying active to help get you moving. Learn about the community's public parks, playgrounds, and trails. Local Motion provides information for anyone who is interested in being active, regardless of age, background, or fitness level.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning (Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission)
  Offers cycling maps, walkability workshops, local events, and updates on bike/pedestrian planning projects.
• Rivanna Trails Foundation
  Non-Profit organization dedicated to creating, maintaining, and protecting natural footpaths along the Rivanna River and its tributaries.
• Virginia Recreation and Park Society
  The VRPS is a private, non-profit organization of professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in Virginia.

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