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With cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets, there are some things to be more mindful of in autumn. Here are safety tips and reminders from Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations for fall evenings. 

   Stay safe walking or cycling at night 

Take extra precautions if you’re walking home from class, work or extracurricular activities later in the day. Here are some from the city of Boulder:  

• At a crosswalk, only cross when the "start crossing" symbol is on. It's illegal to enter a crosswalk when a steady "don't walk" or flashing red hand symbol is on. You must cross at the crosswalk near an intersection with a traffic signal.  
• Where a sidewalk ends or where there are no sidewalks, walk on the outside edge of the roadway, facing traffic.  
• Ensure motorists have seen you at intersections before stepping off the curb. Don't assume they will see you or stop.  
• Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, especially in stormy weather or at night. Carry a flashlight at night to see and be seen.  

If you bike around campus and Boulder, Boulder requires all cyclists riding between dusk and dawn to have a mounted front light and rear red reflector. Review the Environmental Center's tips to make biking a breeze. 

CU NightRide also offers free late-night transportation for students, faculty and staff within Boulder's city limits. Learn more about how to request a ride.  

   Keep the lights on and lock up 

The sun will set before 7 p.m. by the end of September. When daylight saving ends in November, we'll have only about 10 hours of daylight. With the evenings getting darker earlier in the day, turning indoor lights on at home and leaving your porch light on at night is important. And as always, keep your doors and windows locked at all times of the day, no matter how long you’ll be gone.   

You can help keep your roommates and friends accountable, too. As you and your friends head out for the day or evening, double check that everyone locked their doors and vehicles behind them.  

   Be bear aware 

Most Colorado bears are active from mid-March through early November, according to Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Bears will work hard to get calories as their hibernation period gets closer this fall.   

Here are some tips to help deter bears in your neighborhood:  

• Do not feed bears or put out food for other wildlife that attracts bears.  
• Be responsible with trash. The city of Boulder has an that requires trash to be secured in bear-resistant trash cans or carts for residents in designated areas within Boulder. Residents within this implementation zone, including students living in rental units, should be provided with retrofitted bear-resistant trash cans/carts from their trash disposal company.  
• Keep all bear-accessible windows and doors closed and locked, including home, garage and vehicle doors. Don’t leave attractive things such as snacks, food wrappers, gum or even scented hand lotions in your car, and don't leave pet food outside your home.  
• Call 911 if you see a bear on campus. Stand still, stay calm, let the bear identify you and leave. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Be sure the bear has an escape route. If you see cubs, their mother is usually close by. Leave the area immediately. 

   Enjoy outdoor activities safely  

Fall is still a popular time to enjoy outdoor activities. Remember to hike, bike or climb earlier in the day than you would have in the summer. Be sure to let people know where you’ll be, and bring your phone in case of emergencies. Review more tips for hiking around Boulder. 

Also, check the weather before setting out on your adventure. Temperatures are cooling in Boulder, and it is even colder at higher elevations. Snow is possible in certain areas in September. Dress in or pack layers to be prepared for less-than-ideal weather.  

Know that the weather in Colorado can change instantly, and fall can still be a high-risk time for wildfires in Colorado. Pay close attention to fire restrictions and bans (including bans on smoking cigarettes and marijuana) that may be in place in the and throughout the state.    

   Be mindful of unexpected visitors 

Landlords will always give tenants notice if a maintenance person or future tenant are coming to visit the property. If someone tells you they are there for maintenance or a property tour and you have not been notified by your landlord, call the police. 

Find support 

Living in Boulder 
Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations has information to help you learn about living in Boulder, including city and state ordinances you must follow as a resident. 

CU NightRide 
CU NightRide provides free evening transportation for students, faculty and staff within Boulder’s city limits. Download the CU NightRide app to request a ride. 

Bicycle Program 
Biking is one of the most popular ways to navigate campus and Boulder. The Environmental Center’s Bicycle Program can help you maintain and protect your bike.

CU Boulder Police 
CU Boulder offers various resources to help you stay safe this fall season. Visit CU Boulder Police for safety support, resources and reporting options.