Spring is here, and that means our residents are heading out to enjoy the beautiful outdoor amenities our City has to offer. It also means that many residents have gotten used to fewer pedestrians and cyclists. Our City Traffic Committee wanted to remind you to watch out, have the appropriate bike safety gear, and share the road. The following are some guidelines and rules for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to follow to keep our roads safe this season.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
- Pedestrians should cross at intersections with clearly marked crosswalks and sidewalks and wait for appropriate signals to walk or wait for traffic.
- Pedestrians should make sure the road is clear of vehicles before entering a roadway or crosswalk.
- Pedestrians should not cross a roadway diagonally.
- Cyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic, as far right to the shoulder as possible.
- Cyclists riding at a half hour before sunset or a half hour before sunrise, must have a front white light, a rear red light/red reflector, and side reflectors that clearly make them visible to vehicles from 500 feet.
- Cyclists may not travel more than 2 side by side on a shoulder that would only allow room for one cyclist to safely separate themselves from the normal flow of vehicular traffic.
- All Cyclists should always be wearing helmets, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN.
Drivers
- Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians preparing to enter a crosswalk, whether it is marked or unmarked. An unmarked crosswalk can be defined as an intersecting roadway where a sidewalk has permitted a pedestrian to be legally standing.
- Drivers may not pass a moving cyclist with less than three feet of space. A motorist may also not distract a cyclist in motion in an effort to have them change their movement (either verbally or physically).
- Drivers may not travel in a designated bike lane. Drivers should assume there may be a bike in the designated bike lane at any time.
- Drivers must stop at flashing red lights and bus stop signs. Children have the right of way when a school bus is loading or unloading.
- Drivers should always follow the speed limit. This ensures they can come to a safe and complete stop if any person were to enter the road.
The City also encourages drivers to take the 4S Pledge to stay safe on the road. Take the pledge today.