Walk LEFT
When there is no sidewalk or shoulder, PEDESTRIANS may walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway. It is safest to walk facing traffic.
Ride RIGHT
MOTORISTS and BICYCLISTS use the right side of a two way road.
How far to the right?
Bicyclists should not hug the curb or road edge since this position makes bicyclists less visible to motorists, promotes unsafe motorist passing, and exposes bicyclists to various hazards. While bicyclist are required to stay “as far right as safely practicable,” it is clearly not practicable to share travel lanes less than 14 feed wide with autos. Bicyclists should position themselves to maximize visibility and vantage and to discourage motorists from turning right into them. Bicyclists may use the shoulders or take the lane.
Choose a lane
When approaching an intersection, bicyclists should select the rightmost lane that serves their destination. They should not ride in a turn lane unless planning to turn. Bicyclists should not travel between lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, except where one lane is a separate or mandatory turn lane.
Never bicycle facing traffic
Riding a bike the wrong way through traffic is against the law and is a leading cause of crashes. Bicyclists may think they are safe if looking at oncoming traffic, but it is more dangerous. If hit head on, the impact would be greater than if hit from behind. When wrong-way riding, bicyclists can’t see signs and traffic signals. Motorists are not expecting bicyclists approaching from that direction.
Take a class
Bicycle education courses are offered by League of American Bicyclists-certified instructors. Search classes at www.bikeleague.org/programs/education. Local bike shops and recreation departments may offer bicycling courses.
Health and P.E. teachers may be Bike Smart certified to teach bike skills and safety in schools.
Bicycle-Friendly Communities
The League of American Bicyclists offers awards to communities and states that strive to make bicycling an integrated part of their transportation system.
Walkable Neighborhoods
Walkable neighborhoods are becoming more desirable as our understanding of the connection between the built environment and public health increases. Web sites that rank walkability or related factors include www.walkscore.com and www.countyhealthrankings.org.