Watch for walkers and bikers on neighborhood streets

By Mike Foley

It’s that time of year when snow and ice (are supposed to) give way to grass and leaves. It’s also the time of year when sidewalks, trails, bike lanes and neighborhood streets see more bikers and walkers.

In Minnesota, drivers must stop for crossing pedestrians not only at marked crosswalks but also at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights. It’s the law! Failure to obey the law is a misdemeanor. A second violation within one year is a gross misdemeanor.
Pedestrians must obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections that have them.
 
Failure to yield the right-of-way and driver inattention/distraction are the main contributing factors in pedestrian crashes.
 
When it comes to bikes, bicyclists may ride on all Minnesota roads, except where restricted. Bicyclists should ride on the road (not the sidewalk) and must ride in the same direction as traffic.

When it comes to safety, bicyclists and motorists are equally responsible for bicycle safety. The number-one factor contributing to bicycle-vehicle collisions is failure to yield the right-of-way — by bicyclists and drivers alike.

About one-half of all bicycle-vehicle collisions are due to a variety of bicyclist behaviors, such as disregarding a traffic sign or signal. The other half are caused by vehicle driver behaviors, such as inattention and distraction.

Tips for drivers:

• Drivers must stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights.
• Maintain a three-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist.
• Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed once the pedestrian has completely crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.
• When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the roadway, drivers of other vehicles approaching from the rear must not pass the stopped vehicle.
• Use caution and look for bicyclists when opening doors upon parking on the side of the road.
• Don’t drive, park, idle or wait in bike lanes.
• Scan the road and sidewalks ahead for bicyclists and pedestrians. Drive attentively and at safe speeds. Bicyclists and pedestrians can be difficult to see, especially in bad weather or at night.
• Drivers should use caution and look twice for riders when turning.
• Anticipate pedestrians especially in urban areas, around schools and colleges.
• Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians.
• Look carefully behind your vehicle before backing up, especially for small children.
• Watch for people in wheelchairs and motorized carts, who may be below eye level.
• Stop for crossing pedestrians at every intersection, even those without crosswalks or stoplights. Stop far enough back so drivers in other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop.
• Do not block crosswalks while stopped, and don’t pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.

Tips for bicyclists:

• Obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as motorists.
• Be visible. Check your headlight and tail light to ensure they are working. In low light, wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Be predictable. Drivers and walkers need to be able to anticipate your movements.
• Signal turns and lane changes. Keep control of your bike and use hand signals.
• Ride in a straight predictable manner. Don't ride between traffic lanes or weave in and out of parked cars. Use bike lanes where provided. Watch for car doors that may be opened. Bike 3 to 4 feet from parked cars even in bike lanes.
• Ride in the right-most lane that serves your destination on streets without bike lanes. Don't ride in the gutter. Use left turn lanes when turning left. Be cautious of turning vehicles.
• Pass other vehicles (including bikes) as you would if driving a car, signal and proceed with care.
• Don't ride on the sidewalk. Riding on the sidewalk can be dangerous for both bicyclists and pedestrians. Sidewalk riding is prohibited downtown and in business districts.
• Communicate for confident cycling. Confident cyclists use non-verbal communication. Hand signals tell drivers where you are going. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing an intersection in front of a car. At a stop sign, put a foot down to signal that you are making a full stop.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Pedestrians must obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections that have them.
• Pedestrians must not enter traffic if a vehicle is approaching and it is impossible for the driver to stop. There is no defined distance that a pedestrian must abide by; use common sense.
• Cross streets at intersections; don’t cross-mid block and obey traffic signals.
• Make eye contact with drivers and ensure they see you and will stop.
• Clearly show your intentions to cross.
• Watch for turning and passing vehicles.
• Look across all lanes for moving vehicles before proceeding.
• Continue to be alert and watch for vehicles when walking in a crosswalk — drivers aren't always looking for pedestrians.
• Use sidewalks where provided — where no sidewalks are provided, it is usually safer to walk facing traffic.
• Make it easy for drivers to see you — dress in light colors and wear retro-reflective material. Carry a flashlight when it’s dark.
• Use extra caution when crossing multiple-lane, higher speed streets.

 
 
 
Sources:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/pedestrians-bicycles/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.niceridemn.org/safety/