Walk the line
Pedestrians are not allowed to walk on roadways when usable sidewalks are available. If there is no sidewalk or shoulder, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the roadway, facing traffic, and as near as practicable to the outside edge of the roadway.
It is safest to walk facing traffic. When walking in the roadway, pedestrians should also yield right of way to vehicles in the roadway.
A teachable moment
Parents: When walking, talk to children about the safest way to interact with the motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians you observe.
The Safe Routes to School program assists localities, schools and non-profit groups with developing plans, activities, and infrastructure improvements that encourage and enable children to walk or bike to school.
Walking and biking to school increases physical activity, reduces traffic congestion, improves the air, and enhances neighborhood safety.
Right of way
Pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks. Sidewalks are constructed to keep pedestrians safe.
Even though they have the right of way on sidewalks, pedestrians can avoid crashes by paying attention to motor vehicle and bicycle traffic! Use eye contact and gestures to alert drivers when crossing roads from sidewalks, crosswalks, paths, and driveways.
Bicyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians. Bicyclists can ride on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance or traffic control devices. Bicyclists should avoid using sidewalks. Bicyclists should slow down when approaching a pedestrian; ring a bell or give an audible warning such as “bike passing” and wait for the pedestrian to move over.
Bicyclists on sidewalks should slow down to watch for motorists preparing to turn onto a road or across a sidewalk into a driveway. Motorist views are often obstructed by parked cars or other objects.
Motorists should yield right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists and look for them when turning across sidewalks, into driveways, or across crosswalks. By law, motorists must approach and pass a bicyclist at a reasonable speed at least three feet to the left of the bicyclist.