Bicyclists and pedestrians must be especially careful when navigating sidewalks and streets, as they are more likely to be injured than car drivers or passengers. While many cities do not have adequate facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists, you can still take steps to keep yourself safe when you are out and about.
Statistics
Bike and pedestrian safety is particularly important, as bicyclists and pedestrians are more likely to die, per mile traveled, than motorists are. Bicycle Universe compiled data from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and found that per vehicle mile, cyclists were three to 10 times as likely as motorists to be killed. Often, facilities for walkers and bikers are inadequate; 50 percent of all pedestrian deaths in 2007 and 2008 occurred on arterial roadways, where there is typically little accommodation for pedestrian needs.
Traffic Rules
Be aware of your local traffic laws, which may require bicyclists to signal every turn, have a bell, or have rear and/or front lights. Helmet laws also vary from place to place. Wearing a properly fitting and designed helmet may lessen your injuries in an accident. Never ride the wrong way on a street; a Washington State study found that 11 percent of cyclist fatalities were due to wrong way riding.
Alertness
Opening car doors are a major hazard for bicyclists. Ride at least 3 feet from parked cars, and use your bell or voice to alert pedestrians and other bicyclists when you pass them. Pedestrians must look both ways before crossing any street, regardless of traffic signals, to ensure the way is clear.
Visibility
Bicyclists and pedestrians will be more visible if they wear bright colors or reflective clothing. At night, pedestrians should carry a light and bicyclists should have front and rear lights. Be careful around large vehicles, which have significantly larger blind spots than cars. Do not walk immediately behind a parked truck and do not bicycle past a moving truck on the right. Assume the driver cannot see you.
Predictability
You are safer when your movements are predictable and well timed. Do not walk out into the road between parked cars or switch lanes without signaling. In addition, do not bicycle on the sidewalk. You are moving faster than the typical pedestrian so motorists pulling out of driveways or making turns do not expect to see you appear suddenly.
Facilities
Pedestrians should use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible. Where there are no sidewalks, walk against the flow of traffic. However, do not expect that vehicles will stop for you just because you are in a crosswalk or crossing a driveway. Bicyclists should use bike lanes when feasible and safe; if there is debris in the road, cars blocking the lane or other hazards, do not feel forced to use the bike lane. It is better to ride in a motor vehicle lane than to swerve out of the bike lane repeatedly or unexpectedly to avoid obstacles.
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