Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Tips

As you watch the news you will probably see a report involving a pedestrian or a bicyclist being hit by a car. These accidents that make the news are usually fatalities or hit and runs.

Why are there so many accidents? Are the bicyclists and pedestrians taking greater risks or is it a case of an inattentive driver? Is it no longer possible for people, bikes and cars to share the same roads? What can we do to reduce the number of accidents that occur?

There are no simple answers to these questions. It doesn't matter if you are the driver, bicyclist or pedestrian. It is up to each of us to do our part to reduce the number of accidents that occur yearly.

Driver Suggestions

  • Be patient. Leave 5 minutes earlier to give yourself extra time to reach your destination. Speed plays a major part in traffic accidents.
  • Stay alert when driving. Don't drive when you're tired.
  • Prepare to stop on the yellow light. Don't try to make it through the intersection before the light turns red.
  • Keep a careful watch for both pedestrians and bicyclists. A bicyclist should be treated with the same respect as a vehicle.
  • Don't drink and drive.

    • Pedestrian Suggestions

  • Walk on the sidewalk. If there isn't a sidewalk, walk close to the left hand edge of the roadway.
  • Obey the pedestrian traffic signals. If the signal is displaying "Don't Walk" , do not cross the street. Push the signal button and wait for the "Walk" signal. If the "Don't Walk" sign is flashing, it means the light is going to change. The flashing pedestrian signal is very much like a yellow traffic light.
  • Be sure to look in both directions before you cross the street. Make sure that the driver sees you before you cross.

    • Bicyclist Suggestions

  • Obey traffic rules. Cyclists should follow the same rules as motorists.
  • Ride in single file with traffic, not against it. Keep as far to the right as possible always being alert to opening car doors and other hazards.
  • Make safe turns and cross at intersections with care. Use hand signals (left arm straight out for left turn; forearm up for right turn). When traffic is heavy, it is always safer to walk your bike across the street in the crosswalk.
  • Always wear a helmet.

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