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.
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Campus Pedestrian Bridges
Walking Trip Duration
Walking Resources
Safety Tips
Weather Tips
CAMPUS PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
WALKING TRIP DURATION
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.
East Residence Halls: Burge, Currier, Daum, Stanley, Catlett
From the east side of Burge Hall
To Macbride Hall via T. Anne Cleary Walkway: 6 minutes
To Van Allen Hall to Iowa Ave: 9 minutes
To Arts Campus via IMU footbridge: 10 minutes
To Main Library: 10 Minutes
To UCC (Washington Street Entrance): 8 minutes
West Residence Halls (Slater, Rienow, Petersen, Hillcrest)
From the intersection of Grand and Byington
To Pride/Cultural Centers: <5 Minutes
To Student Health via Hillcrest north footpath: 10 minutes
To EPB/Journalism Building via Hillcrest north footpath and Iowa Ave bridge: 8 minutes
To West Campus Transportation Center (WCTC) via For The Kids Way: 12 minutes
To Main Library via Burlington Street and Gibson Square Park: 8 minutes
To IMU via Iowa Ave bridge and riverfront footpath: 11 minutes
Pentacrest: Old Capitol, Jessup Hall, Macbride Hall, MacLean Hall, and Schaeffer Hall
From the Old Capitol building
To Arts Campus via IMU footbridge: 12 minutes
To College of Public Health via IMU Footbridge: 10 minutes
To Van Allen Hall: <5 minutes
To CRWC: 8 minutes
To Student Healthvia Iowa Ave bridge: 12 minutes
To East Residence Halls: 5 minutes
To West Residence Halls:
15 minutes via Burlington to Slater/Rienow
10 minutes via Iowa to Hillcrest/Petersen
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 resourced listed can be used for planning commuting to and from campus or recreation.
Iowa City Trails Guide
Johnson Country Trail Guide
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 a demand-response, door-to-door service 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 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 Network: Curious about how choosing to walk can reduce your carbon footprint or save you money? UI RideShare Network's "commute tracker" will calculate the Greenhouse Gas and cost of fuel savings of your trip. Use the service to connect with commuting partner 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.
There are 24 emergency telephones strategically placed around campus. A single push of the illuminated button summons UIPD officers, allows dispatchers to hear the situation, and triggers the bright blue strobe light at the top of a 9-foot pole.
Map of Code Blue Phone locations 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.
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