The ConnectingVA app can help you find walking and biking routes to help you get to your destination! Using these modes of active transportation can improve your physical health and emotional well-being, as well as help to save money and can improve air quality.
Before choosing to walk or bike, though, it is important to be mindful of how to be safe on our roadways. Check out the safety tips below to help you get started!
Be a responsible bicyclist. Obey all traffic control devices and use proper hand signals.
Always ride with the flow of traffic.
Dress safely. Wear a helmet, wear bright-colored clothing, and secure loose pant legs.
Ride defensively. Anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.
Pass vehicles with extreme care. Turning vehicles may not see you.
Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots while riding or stopping at an intersection.
Maximize your visibility at night. Wear reflective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.
Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.
Exercise great caution when riding in bus traffic. Watch out for buses pulling to and from curbs and passengers getting on and off buses.
Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, handicap and building accesses or emergency drives.
Lock your bicycle. Secure both wheels and the frame to a stationary object using a sturdy lock.
Plan a route with safe crossings
Avoid distractions, alcohol and drugs, and be alert
Dress to be seen, but never assume drivers see you
Wear reflective clothing, and carry a blinking light or flashlight at night
Walk on sidewalks facing traffic
If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible
Watch for cars backing up, especially in parking lots and driveways
Cross at crosswalks or intersections – where drivers expect pedestrians. While crossing, look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right, and make eye contact with turning drivers before proceeding when possible.
Turning vehicles can be especially dangerous at intersections. If there is no crosswalk or intersection, go to a well-lit area with the best view of traffic, wait until there is enough time to cross safely, and continue to watch for traffic while crossing.
To stay safe, pedestrians of all ages should work together with all road users, which means using crosswalks and obeying signs and signals. Motorists should slow down, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
The ConnectingVA app can help you find walking and biking routes to help you get to your destination! Using these modes of active transportation can improve your physical health and emotional well-being, as well as help to save money and enhance the quality of air.
The ConnectingVA app can help you find walking and biking routes to help you get to your destination! Using these modes of active transportation can improve your physical health and emotional well-being, as well as help to save money and enhance the quality of air.
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