Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Awareness
Be Aware
Pedestrians and Bicyclists are Different Than Other Road Users
Pedestrians and bicyclists have the right to use roadways just as motorists do. However, unlike motorists, they do not have to get a learner permit or pass tests to qualify and may not be trained in the rules that apply to all roadway users. They may be any age or level of ability. They may be deaf or blind, have mobility issues, or they may be distracted. There are any number of issues that might cause them to react differently than you expect.
They can be unpredictable in speed and movement, and they may enter and use the roads in ways you may not expect from between parked cars or behind buses. Especially in the case of very young pedestrians and bicyclists, they will be much smaller than the vehicles on the on road and easily hidden in your vehicle’s blind spots.
For these reasons, motorists must take special care to be aware and to drive as safely as possible to protect all road users.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists are the Most Vulnerable Roadway Users
Pedestrians and bicyclists do not have the protection that comes with being inside a vehicle. They do not have a metal frame or seat belts to protect them during a collision. Because of this, they make up a disproportionate number of the fatalities and major injuries that result from traffic collisions.
According to information from the U.S. Department of Transportation, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities make up about 20% of all traffic fatalities with approximately 7,000 pedestrian deaths and 900 bicyclist deaths nationally. Another 76,000 pedestrians and 47,000 bicyclists are injured in roadway crashes annually. In New York State, injuries and deaths vary by community, but in NYC, for example, nearly 50% of all traffic fatalities involve pedestrians and bicyclists.
In addition, certain age groups, particularly children and the elderly are overrepresented as victims in these crashes and injuries. For example, 40% of pedestrian fatalities in NYC are over the age of 60.
Be Alert
What can you do to be safe around pedestrians or bicyclists?
Motor vehicle operators are responsible for safe and lawful operation of the vehicles they drive.
It is important for you, as a driver, to do everything possible to respect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. You as the driver are responsible to exercise due care by being aware, alert, and driving defensively.
Visibility
Drivers are conditioned primarily to pay attention to other cars. Seeing pedestrians and bicyclists on roadways is less common. Your brain may not “see” pedestrians or bicyclists to the same degree that it sees other vehicles on the road because you do not expect to see them. The solution is to actively look for bicyclists and pedestrians – as well as other vehicles – when you drive.
Pedestrians and bicyclists may be less visible than cars for many reasons:
- Pedestrians and bicyclists are much smaller than cars. They can easily disappear into blind spots around your vehicle or behind other vehicles or obstacles.
- They may not have lights or be wearing brightly colored clothing. They may be especially hard to see at night or in inclement weather.
- They may not follow the rules of the road. They may be in locations you would not normally look and move in ways that you may not expect.
- They move much more slowly than vehicles
Places that Pedestrians Frequent
The following are some of the most common places that you will see pedestrians interacting with roadways:
- Schools - Pedestrians and bicyclists are very common around schools. Expect children around schools – even when school is not in session.
- Playgrounds and parks - But often children may run out into the street to catch or retrieve a ball or toy. They might run out between parked vehicles. A careful driver will be especially alert around schools and playgrounds.
- Residential areas
- Retail areas such as outside (strip) malls, restaurants
- Mass transit stops
- On common roadways
Intersections
Intersections are especially dangerous. Crosswalks are designed to give pedestrians a safe place to cross roads and give drivers an idea of where to expect them. However, not all intersections are designed with crosswalks and not all crosswalks have signs or pavement markings. The law (statewide and NYC) requires that drivers must come to a complete stop and allow pedestrians to cross at both marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Uncommon Places that Pedestrians May Be
Bicyclists and pedestrians can be anywhere. You must actively use all your senses and your knowledge to detect these vulnerable road users.
Be aware when leaving or backing out of driveways, alleyways, private roads, regardless of whether they are residential or commercial properties, pedestrians have the right of way crossing those driveways when using the sidewalk that intersects them.
Pedestrians are supposed to walk on sidewalks, but not all roads have sidewalks. On roads where there is no shoulder or a narrow shoulder or no sidewalks, pedestrians have no choice but to walk along the road and they have the legal right to do so. Pedestrians walking along the roadside should walk facing traffic, but not all pedestrians know this. So as a driver, you must be alert and expect the unexpected.
Generally, bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited from limited access highways. But that does not mean you don’t have to be alert there. For example, you might encounter someone whose vehicle is disabled, and they are walking alongside the highway to get help.
Cyclists have the right to operate along the roadside
Bicycle paths and bicycle lanes are designed to provide bicyclists with a safe place to ride. Motorists are not permitted to drive in or block the bicycle lanes. There are no exceptions – you cannot drive in these lanes, and there is No stopping, No standing, No parking – not even for a minute.
Cyclists also have the right to operate along the roadside, even when no bicycle lane markings are present. They should be riding in the direction of traffic and observing all traffic rules but expect that some cyclists may not be aware of this. Be alert, give them the space they are entitled.
Drive Defensively
A good driver will anticipate situations that could be dangerous – not just to themselves, but to other roadway users. Remember, bicyclists and pedestrians are highway users, too! It is important to acknowledge that driving can be difficult, but by following the laws meant for drivers, you can reduce your risk of being in a crash and hurting yourself and others.
While pedestrians and cyclists may not always be doing the right thing, in a collision with a motor vehicle they are always going to be the ones who lose, so it is important for you, the driver, to do everything you can to prevent a crash, and its consequences, regardless of who may be in the wrong.
Sharing the Road with Bicyclists
Passing bicyclists can be very dangerous. Bicycles sometimes must swerve to avoid obstacles (a pothole, debris, a car opening a door, etc.). If you are too close, you might collide with the bicyclist. Bicyclists are also susceptible to wind. Crosswinds may cause a cyclist to swerve into the lane of traffic unexpectedly. Also, when a vehicle drives past a cyclist, the shape of the passing vehicle may create a wake that draws the cyclist from their intended path. This could cause the cyclist to suddenly swerve into the traffic lane.
When you approach a pedestrian or cyclist, don’t assume they are aware of you. If you are approaching from behind, they may not hear you. Whenever possible, slow down and give them some extra room.
Parking Safely
Driving defensively applies not just when you are driving, but also when you are parked. When parked or getting ready to pull out, be aware as bicyclists may come within 3-5 feet of your door. One technique that can help with this is to Reach, Swivel, and Look:
- REACH: use your right hand (not the left hand) to reach for the handle to open the driver’s door.
- SWIVEL: By reaching for the driver’s door handle with your right hand, this will cause your body to turn to the left, and help you look for a bicycle that may be overtaking you.
- LOOK: Look alongside and to the rear of your car to search for hazards.
This method will help you avoid opening your driver’s door into the path of a bicyclist or other traffic.
For More Information
If you would like more information on pedestrian and bicyclist safety and awareness, you can refer to the following: