Chiang Mai University (CMU) gives pedestrians priority over cars and motorcycles on campus. The campus is green and shaded, and every building can be reached comfortably on foot. CMU therefore actively encourages walking for students, faculty, staff and members of the public who visit the campus. The aim is to reduce the number of cars and motorcycles on campus.
CMU's walkways cover almost every area of the campus over 7 kilometers, so anyone can walk to nearby destinations with ease. The walkways come in two designs:
- Open (uncovered) walkways run parallel to the ring road around the campus. They branch off into smaller paths that lead to academic buildings, activity areas and public spaces.
- Covered walkways run through the central zone of the campus. They connect the student dormitories to the Central Lecture Building, the Central Library and the Registration Office.
Both types of walkway connect to the university's electric shuttle stops, so people can walk easily from any building to campus public transport.
Moreover, Chiang Mai University plans to extend the walkway network to every area of the campus as follows:
- Redesign the walkway layout around the campus to make walking more convenient.
- Build, widen and repair walkways, especially those with holes or uneven surfaces, including covered walkways.
- Clearly separate pedestrian walkways from bicycle lanes.
- Repair and repaint zebra crossings.
Faculty of Medicine Sky Walk
CMU has opened a one-kilometer Sky Walk linking the buildings of the Faculty of Medicine and Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital. It shortens walking times for both staff and members of the public who use the hospital. The route is covered along its entire length, so walkers are sheltered from heat and rain, and the path is wide. Because it takes pedestrians off the roads, the Sky Walk also saves time, eases traffic congestion and improves safety throughout the route.
Faculty of Humanities Sky Walk
The construction of the 60th Anniversary of Humanities Building offers a skywalk connecting all Humanities buildings, providing Chiang Mai University students and staff with convenient and safe pedestrian access throughout the faculty. In addition, the route is covered along its entire length, allowing to shelter the walkers from heat and rain with its wide path.
Dormitory Pedestrians
The redevelopment of the Female Dormitories incorporates pedestrian pathways connecting the student dormitories with the main stadium and health centers, enabling students to conveniently access sports facilities, healthcare services, and recreational activities within walking distance.
Moreover, the buildings along the pedestrians are equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance and 24-hour security, with additional facilities such as laundry services, coin-operated washing machines, a beauty salon, a coffee shop, and a cafeteria, enabling students to access essential services within the residential area.
Jogging Pedestrians Around Campus
In addition, Chiang Mai University (CMU) also aims to encourage, not only CMU students and staff but also local people, to use the space in the university as a jogging route to maintain good health in the long term. Chiang Mai University (CMU) actively promotes its open, tree-lined roads and reservoir paths as an exercise resource for everyone, including the local community. The university's own First-Year student portal features a dedicated section recommending running routes, or the pedestrians, around campus, encouraging both the CMU community and outside visitors to use the grounds for access to jogging and walking.
In summary, Chiang Mai University prioritizes pedestrian accessibility across its main campus, ensuring that students, staff, and members of the local community can move safely and conveniently between different areas. Beyond providing safe pedestrian pathways, the University encourages walking as an alternative to motorized transportation by creating an inclusive, accessible, and pleasant campus environment. A campus map illustrating the locations and connections between administrative, registration, and educational buildings further helps users navigate the campus with ease. These initiatives demonstrate CMU’s commitment to promoting active mobility, encouraging regular physical activity, and supporting the long-term health and well-being of the university community.
Sources:
- มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ Chiang Mai University (2018) แผนที่หอพักนักศึกษา มช. [Facebook] 18 June
- มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ Chiang Mai University (2022) เส้นทาง สำหรับวิ่งออกกำลังกายรอบ มช. [Facebook] 22 December
- Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University (2025) HB-8 INTERIOR DESIGN [Facebook] 2 January