Safety & Education

Kids on Bikes

Safe Routes to School Program

The Safe Routes to Schools Program is designed to promote and develop safe walking and bicycling routes for elementary and middle school students. Members of the pedestrian mobility advisory committee provide the program.

Pedestrian Safety

• Use sidewalks
• On a road without sidewalks, walk on the left side facing traffic
• Always cross at an intersection or crosswalk
• Stay on the right-hand side of crosswalks
• When crossing the roadway, be aware of turning, merging or speeding vehicles
• Pedestrians must yield to a vehicle on the roadway if crossing the street at a place other than a marked crosswalk or pedestrian crossing
• Look both ways before crossing the street
• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars
• Get in and out of cars on the curbside of the street
• Make it easier for motorists to see you by wearing light colors or reflective material
• Walk defensively, don’t assume that cars will stop for you
• Watch for turning vehicles
• Watch for cars when crossing a driveway
• Always carry identification in case of an accident or medical emergency
• If possible, walk with a companion

Helpful Biking Tips

• Wear a properly fitting helmet
• Always check brakes and tires before riding
• Wear light colors or reflective material
• Always stop at red lights and stop signs
• Use headlights and a red rear reflector at night
• Give hand signals when stopping and turning
• Attach a horn to your bike so that you can use it to warn drivers or pedestrians
• Respect pedestrians on paths and at crosswalks
• Don’t ride on the sidewalk
• “How Not to Get Hit by Cars” from Bicyclesafe.com

Tips for Motorists

• Sharing the road with pedestrians and bicyclists requires mutual respect and awareness.
• Remember, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as automobiles.

What Drivers Can Do:

• Stop for bicyclists and pedestrians in crosswalks. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks
• Help keep trash or other obstacles out of the bike lane
• Don’t stop in the crosswalk. By stopping in the crosswalk you may force a pedestrian to walk in oncoming traffic. You may also block other drivers from seeing the pedestrian.
• When pulling away from a stop sign, yield the right of way to bicycle and pedestrian cross traffic.
• Give cyclists and pedestrians plenty of room when you are passing or turning.
• Never park on a sidewalk. Only park in designated areas.
• Get in and out of cars on the curbside of the street.
• Always signal before turning.
• Check mirrors for cyclists traveling alongside your car
• Look before opening car door as a biker may be seriously injured by an opened door suddenly blocking his or her path
• Don’t speed
• Be on the lookout for pedestrians at an intersection prior to turning
• Avoid rushing into or out of driveways
• Don’t honk at bicyclists or pedestrians. A honk may startle a cyclist and cause an accident.