Pedestrians: Scan and cross
Pedestrians are required by law to cross at crosswalks whenever possible. Crossing at crosswalks and intersections is where drivers expect to see pedestrians. Many pedestrians are struck by cars when they cross midblock, between intersections. So be alert!
- Before crossing, stop, look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT, and over the shoulder for turning traffic.
- Crossing the street mid-block is not a good idea. Especially in urban areas, motorists expect pedestrians to cross at crosswalks and pedestrians expect motorists and bicyclists to watch out for them.
Pedestrians: Don’t disregard traffic!
“No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic.”
Code of Virginia §46.2-924
Though pedestrians have right of way, it is important for them to be aware and protect themselves from bicyclists and motorists.
Bicyclists: Stay on the road
Confident bicyclists should ride as vehicles, not riding in crosswalks or alternating between the sidewalk and road by hopping the curb or using driveway cuts. Be consistent and predictable. Newer or less steady bicyclists who feel more comfortable riding on sidewalks must follow pedestrian rules at crosswalks.
- Motorists & Bicyclists: Yield to pedestrians
- Motorists and bicyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, both marked and unmarked.
- Motorists: Slow down!
- Motorist speeding is a major factor in crashes with pedestrians.
Obey all signs
Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs, signals, lights, and markings.
Under certain circumstances bicyclists, motorcycles, and mopeds may proceed through a solid red light at an intersection. A driver or rider may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the driver or rider complies with all five provisions listed below:
- Comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for two complete cycles of the traffic light or for two minutes, whichever is shorter
- Exercises due care as provided by law
- Otherwise treats the traffic control device as a stop sign
- Determines that it is safe to proceed
- Yields the right of way to the driver of any vehicle approaching on such other highway from either direction.
What is a crosswalk?
Crosswalks may not be marked or painted on the highway, but occur wherever sidewalks meet the street and where streets intersect. The Code of Virginia defines this type of crosswalk as an “unmarked crosswalk.”
Code of Virginia §46.2-924
Virginia Traffic Crash Facts can be found on the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles site at www.dmv.state.va.us/. Go to Highway Safety, Traffic Crash Data.
Be aware! Pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes can occur at intersections and mid-block.