Alec Rodriguez EDINBURG – According to UTRGV PD Admin Reports, the number of reported incidents involving a personal transportation riding device on the Bronc Trail has increased about four times since Spring 2025.
University policy ADM 10-904 in the Handbook of Operating Procedures states personal transportation riding devices, or PTDs, are prohibited from use on covered walkways, breezeways and pedestrian bridges on all UTRGV campuses.
KVAQ-TV checked the UTRGV PD Admin Reports dating back to 2024 to see if there were any incidents on the Bronc Trail specifically caused by PTDs.
In Spring 2024, UTRGV police issued three warnings to students riding a PTD. In Summer 2024, only one warning was issued. During Fall 2024, nine warnings were given out, two people reported they were hit and a mini-volt was nearly struck.
In Spring 2025, four warnings were issued to students. And this semester, so far, at least 16 warnings have been issued, and two people have reported they were hit.
Mass communication junior Nathan Lozano said scooters on the Bronc Trail are always in the back of his mind.
“Like, you can hear like 20 miles an hour coming right next to you,” Lozano said. “And there’s some signs here that says like they’re like banned, like you’re not supposed to be riding on it. But like honestly, like it’s not bad, but just if they could go a little slower, that’ll be I guess better.”
The Bronc Trail is a covered pedestrian walkway in the middle of the Edinburg campus.
Psychology senior Lupe Ybarra said he always makes sure no one on a scooter is passing by before going onto the trail. He says there should be an alternative path for those that use their personal vehicles.
“You know, there’s nothing wrong with them to riding their scooters,” Ybarra said. “I don’t think that’s a bad thing, it’s just maybe implementing some alternative little sidewalk over here where it’s like it’s designated for them. That way it can make it faster for them to instead of like zooming around having to get off of their thing or what not.”
UTRGV has hike-and-bike trails on the Edinburg Campus, which allows the usage of PTDs.
The hike-and-bike trail goes around the Edinburg Campus, behind or in front of several buildings such as the Heritage and Troxel Halls.
Assistant Chief for Field Operations at the UTRGV Police Department Esmeralda Guerra said if students receive multiple warnings or citations, they may be referred to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
“Because really, the main focus is really getting people to comply with the policy,” Guerra said. “It is for their safety and the safety of others who use the say, for example, the Bronc Trail. I think that is a high area where I think we tend to see a lot of violations. You know, you’re allowed to use it anywhere else outside of that area, but it just gets so congested. And then with those concrete pillars, there’s lack of movement, you know, and it’s really a safety issue.”
To report any incidents, call UTRGV police at (956) 882-4911.
