WALKING
The Parking and Transportation Department is committed to promoting campus accessibility through mobility solutions for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Regardless of primary mode, everyone is a pedestrian in their journey at one point or another. Miles of sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and pedestrian bridges provide safe and scenic routes to travel around campus.
Campus Pedestrian Bridges
Pedestrian bridges provide safe and convenient access between the east and west sides of campus. In addition to providing access across the Iowa River, the Iowa Avenue and Burlington Street pedestrian bridges also provide access over Riverside Drive to enhance pedestrian safety.
The pedestrian bridges offer scenic views of main campus and the arts campus alike. Connected to pedestrian pathways on both sides of the river, they are a great way to explore the beauty of the University of Iowa campus.
There are four pedestrian bridges on campus.
| Burlington Street Pedestrian Bridge | Hancher Footbridge |
| Iowa Avenue Pedestrian Bridge | Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Footbridge |
Walking Trip Durations
Want to know how long it would take you to walk somewhere on campus? We’ve provided estimated trip times for common routes most useful for students below. A map is being developed to help visually display pedestrian routes and will be available later Fall 2020.
Walking Trip Duration
Walking Resources
Interactive University of Iowa campus maps
There are several maps the university provides to help navigate campus. Some university maps may prompt you to enter your Hawk ID and password to view.
Examples of maps include an Accessibility Map and Construction Closures Map.
Iowa City and Johnson County trails for walking and biking
There are many trails that connect communities across Iowa City and throughout the county. The resources listed can be used for planning commuting to and from campus or recreation.
CAMBUS and Bionic Bus
For trips that are not easily walkable considering distance or weather, CAMBUS provides no-fare service throughout the university campus. The Bionic Bus system is the University of Iowa’s ADA, paratransit bus service for persons with a disability. It is designed to serve the needs of university students, faculty, and staff within most areas of Iowa City and Coralville. Learn more and complete eligibility form
Walking trip apps
There are many mobile apps or web services available to help pedestrians plan trips. Some maps come built into your smart device, whiles others might require you to download a free app. The university offers two mapping applications that can be used in combination with or in addition to traditional map applications.
Transit: Along with up-to-date predictions for CAMBUS, Transit also offers features that include walking and biking routes. Enter your starting and ending destination and Transit will provide you with various options for traveling.
UI Rideshare: Curious about how choosing to walk can reduce your carbon footprint or save you money? The "commute tracker" will calculate the Greenhouse Gas and cost of fuel savings of your trip. Use the service to connect with commuting partners who also work or study at the University of Iowa - including walking and biking commutes.
Safety Tips
- Walking with a friend(s) is always encouraged, and more fun that way.
- Be aware of your surroundings and carry a cell phone with you in case of an emergency.
- The Rave Guardian mobile application allows users to invite friends, family, or the Department of Public Safety to act as a virtual safety escort, or “guardian,” when they travel from one location to another on campus.
- Reflective-colored clothing will make you more visible at night to drivers and bicyclists.
- Always trust your instincts. If you get into an uncomfortable situation, leave promptly and report it.
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Read more about campus safety resources on the Campus Safety website.
Weather Tips
Be sure to stay alert to changing weather conditions and temperatures in Iowa - whether that be sun, rain, or snow. Upon returning to campus, be mindful of appropriate clothing items for walking around campus. Here are a few pieces of attire we would recommend:
- Comfortable pair of athletic shoes
- Rain boots or other water-resistant footwear
- Umbrella
- Water-resistant outerwear (raincoat, windbreaker, etc)
- Waterproof backpack
- Snow boots
- Winter jacket, hat, and gloves