UW Commuter Services : Get to the UW : For Students : Walking to Campus

Walking to Campus

If you have been to campus, then you are no stranger to walking at the UW. With its network of pathways, views and landmark spots, walking is by far the most popular way to get around campus. But have you thought about extending your walking experience to a commute to campus?

Choosing your route

Look for routes that aren't available by car. It will make your walk a lot more pleasant. The Burke-Gilman Trail offers a pathway under I-5 or up to Ravenna and across the pedestrian bridge on 20th Avenue, while the Montlake and University Bridges can bring you over water from the south.

U-District and North Capitol Hill Walking Map
UW Campus Walking Map

Campus Showers and Clothes Lockers

Need a place to shower or change after your invigorating walk to campus? Faculty and staff with IMA memberships and all students can use the shower facilities at the IMA and Hutchinson Hall. Call 206.543.4590 for details. Several other campus buildings have shower and/or clothing locker facilities. Contact your building coordinator about availability.

U-Pass Walk-In Challenge

Each spring, U-PASS urges the campus community to Walk to Work, Walk at Lunch, Walk to Meetings, and join the Walk-In Challenge. Walkers in the Challenge earn points (and prizes!) for participating in Walk-In activities such as Walk of the Week and Campus Clues.

Whether you are looking to improve your health, save some money, or do your part to beat congestion and pollution, taking a walk offers rewards.

Reporting maintenance problems along your walking route

If you see a maintenance problem, please report it using the contacts below.

On-Campus?

For any problems on Central, South or East campuses
Phone 206.685.1411
UW Mailbox 354285
Maintenance Work Requests

If your request is an emergency please call 206.685.1411
For any problems near the UW Medical Center
UWMC Facilities Services Division
Phone 206.598.4911
UW Mailbox 356031

When requesting maintenance or repair service, be prepared to provide the following information:

name of building or address
exact location of work to be done (room number if possible)
name and telephone number of the requestor or a contact person
a description of the work to be done
an indication of the urgency (is this an emergency?)
a budget number (if a chargeable service)

Vehicles Parked on Sidewalk (or blocking crosswalks)
Call University parking enforcement 206.543.9008.

Information needed includes:

Nature of the violation
Location
Vehicle Description
License Plate Number

Reference: WAC 478-116-245 - "Obstructing traffic and pedestrian movement prohibited." No person shall stop, stand or park any motor vehicle so as to obstruct traffic along or upon any street nor to obstruct pedestrian movement on any plaza, path or sidewalk.

Off-Campus?

Burke-Gilman Trail: Parks Maintenance
City of Seattle streets (West Campus, and any facilities on your way to campus)
Crosswalks (Repainting) - 206.684.5116 ? if an existing crosswalk needs repainting
Curb Ramps - 206.684.5377 - curb ramps (wheelchair ramps) make it easier to cross streets that have concrete curbs and sidewalks. Priority is given to intersections with the greatest need.
Drainage
Overgrowth
Overgrowth on Private Property - 206.684.7899. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the planting strips on streets adjacent to private property and for cutting plant material growing from their property into sidewalk or street areas. The Department of Design, Construction and Land Use instructs property owners to cut grass or prune overgrowth when needed.
Overgrowth of trees on City right of way direct inquiries to the arborist- 206.615.0957
Sidewalks and Planting Strips - 206.684.5253 - sidewalks are the maintenance responsibility of the abutting property owners in most cases. If you find a raised portion of the walk, call, with the address, and city staff will investigate and notify the property owner to make repairs.
Vehicles Parked on Sidewalk (or blocking crosswalks)
- Call parking enforcement at the Seattle Police Department, 206.625.5011
Problems with city street lights: 206.684.3000, or e-mail your problem
Traffic Sign Repair or Replacement - 206.386.1206 - Includes stop signs, pedestrian signs, and warning signs.
Traffic Lights 206.684.7056 - or use the online form

Health benefits

Reduce blood cholesterol
Lower blood pressure
Increase cardiovascular endurance
Boost bone strength
Burn calories and keep weight down
Have fun!

And beyond all the physical health benefits, walking can also reduce stress and anxiety.

Web sites of interest to pedestrians:

Gmaps Pedometer Calculate precise mileage of your walking route and check elevation.
Washington State Department of Transportation Pedestrian Program
Feet First (pedestrian advocacy in the Puget Sound region)
American Volkssport Association
Seattle Pedestrian Program