May is National Bicycle Safety Month, a great opportunity to brush up on the rules of the road (for both bikers and drivers) and the best gear to keep you safe.
Also in this issue: Public Safety’s enterprise learning module and spring roundtable series, upcoming community events and remembering the fallen on Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Kick Your Bicycle Safety Into Gear This Month
Bicycle safety — and safety in general — is a shared responsibility. This National Bicycle Safety Month, Drexel Public Safety encourages all cyclists to ride safely and wear helmets, and all drivers to do their part by slowing down when a bicyclist is nearby, never driving while distracted or impaired and respecting designated bike lines by refraining from parking or idling in them.
Compared to vehicles, bikes are harder to see, so cyclists can help drivers spot them by adding reflectors and lights to their bikes, as well as wearing retroreflective and bright clothing. Wearing a helmet on a bike is just as important as wearing a seat belt in a vehicle; “buckle up for safety” and snap your helmet straps! Help spread awareness this month by using the social media graphics, videos and other resources available on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website.
Did you know? 12,300 Philadelphians bike to work at least three times a week, according to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, which shares important resources on its website, including bike maps, bike law FAQ, what to do in a crash, how to report potholes and more.
Drexel Public Safety also shares the following tips:
- While it is crucial to wear a helmet, it’s equally important that your helmet fits properly. For a comprehensive list of helmet sizes according to manufacturers, visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.
- Make use of protected bike lanes whenever possible.
- Keep a photo of your bike and record its serial number, as this could aid in locating your bike if it is lost or stolen. Additionally, registering your bike with Drexel Police at 3219 Arch St. will help us notify you upon recovery.
- Lock your bike with a quality U-lock and cable, and replace quick releases with locking skewers (view Drexel Police Santiago's video for a tutorial on properly locking your bike).
Save the date: Public Safety is hosting a bike registration and U-lock giveaway in three different locations on May 22. Times and locations to be announced soon.
The More You Know: Enterprise Learning From Public Safety
Drexel Public Safety recently launched the Enterprise Learning module “Active Threat: We’re Prepared, Are You?” through Career Pathway. All faculty and professional staff are required to complete this module by Nov. 1, 2024. Additionally, Drexel Public Safety is offering a series of virtual roundtables for faculty and professional staff in May and June that covers topics such as how to use the Guardian App, staying connected with Public Safety, crime prevention, and fire and medical safety. Remember that safety is a collective effort, and these sessions will arm you with the information you need to better prepare yourself and your loved ones if an emergency arises.
Recognize Peace Officers Memorial Day
Peace Officers Memorial Day is held annually in May during National Police Week. This year, beginning on May 12, agencies across the country come together to recognize law enforcement officers who have lost their lives or sustained disabling injury in the line of duty. 282 officers’ names are being memorialized on the Wall of Remembrance at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. For more information on events throughout the week, the fund itself or to light a virtual candle, please visit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
How Does the Drexel Guardian App Work?
By now, you’ve probably seen Drexel Guardian mentioned in a Drexel Public Safety advisory or this very newsletter. But maybe you have resisted downloading the app, or downloaded it without really exploring all that it can do. At the basic level, the app allows you to connect directly to the Public Safety Communications Center in the event of an emergency. However, Drexel Guardian has many more features than you might think, making it a crucial tool to keep you safe while on the go. In “How Does it Work? Drexel Guardian App,” Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police Mel Singleton shares a detailed breakdown on everything the community should know about the app.
Improvements in Progress: Campus Construction
As you know, Drexel is a thriving campus with new projects around each corner. Drexel Public Safety reminds drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be aware of construction projects on and around campus. Follow posted signs if streets are blocked, and use the crosswalks to safely cross the streets. Drexel Real Estate and Facilities provides a list of all current projects for us to be aware of while commuting through campus.
Community Commitments
Save the Date: National Night Out, Aug. 6, 2024, 5–8 p.m., Lancaster Walk
Cookies with Cops on May 16
On May 16, beginning at 1 p.m. on Korman Quad, Public Safety will be offering some cookies, resources and friendly conversations. Hope to see you all there!
Learn How to Be SAFE With Our Hands-On Classes
Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), is open to any student, faculty or professional staff member looking to develop skills for fostering their personal safety. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, it is strongly recommend that you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes, which are also available by request for your group. Watch a class in action in this video feature created by Drexel students.
Additional DPS Educational Programs
You can request any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
- Your Safety Is Our Goal: This virtual workshop is a great way to learn how to stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared, not scared, when moving through the city.
- Fire & Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness: Offered by request, these tailored, data-driven awareness and training programs address how to prevent and respond to fires, medical emergencies, elevator entrapments, power outages, gas leaks, and other emergencies.
- Public Safety & U Workplace Safety Program: This educational program can be customized to address the unique security challenges of your unit.
We Are Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether or not you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.
Emergency Numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222