Contact: For information on the transportation rule changes, contact Gayle Shipley, director of Environmental Health and Safety, at (360) 650-6512 or gayle.shipley@wwu.edu. For information on the housing and dining rule changes, contact Willy Hart, director of University Residences, at (360) 650-2953 or willy.hart@wwu.edu.
courtesy image This map shows the proposed bicycle and skateboard walk zones on campus in accordance with the proposed new rules.
BELLINGHAM—Western Washington University officials are proposing amendments to the university’s Washington Administrative Code rules and will hold three public hearings on April 22. Officials hope to amend three rules: One regarding skateboards and similar devices, one regarding bicycles and similar devices and one regarding dining and housing.
The proposed new rules for skateboards, foot scooters, skates, and other similar devices acknowledge them as sustainable forms of transportation. Currently, such devices are banned from the WWU campus. The new rules will allow riders on campus under certain speeds – walking speeds within 10 feet of pedestrians, and jogging speeds otherwise – and provide for walk zones where riders are required to dismount from their skateboards. The hearing on skateboards is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 22 in Old Main Room 340.
The proposed new rules for bicycles, mopeds, and other powered devices will set allowable speeds on campus and provide for walk zones where riders are required to dismount from their bicycles. The hearing on bicycles, mopeds, and other powered devices is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. April 22 in Old Main Room 340.
Amendments to the existing housing and dining rules are proposed to maintain consistency with the department’s revised mission statement. The hearing on housing and dining is scheduled for 4 p.m. April 22 in Old Main Room 340.
The Central Health and Safety Committee began discussing changes to the bicycle and skateboard rules in the fall of 2006. The committee, whose members represent all facets of the WWU community, consulted with all employee bargaining units, the Faculty Senate, the Associated Students Board and the President’s Council. The committee also held multiple open forums and comment opportunities.
The records of the hearings will be presented to WWU President Bruce Shepard for his approval. Written comments may be submitted through April 21 to Suzanne Baker, rules coordinator, Western Washington University, 516 High St., Bellingham, WA 98225-9015 or via e-mail to suzanne.baker@wwu.edu. Disability accommodations are available upon request with advance notification required. For disability accommodations or for more information about these hearings, contact Suzanne Baker at (360) 650-3117.
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