Safety Tips for Cyclists, Drivers & Pedestrians

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, always. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Protect Your Head Wear a helmet.
• Obey traffic signs and signals - Bicycles must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles.
• Never ride against traffic - Motorists aren't looking for cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law requires that bicyclists drive like other vehicles.
• Follow lane markings - Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked “right-turn only.”
• Don’t pass on the right - Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right.
• Keep both hands ready to brake - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, brakes are less efficient when wet.
• Wear bright colored clothing.
• Make eye contact with drivers - Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do.
• Use lights at night - The law requires a white headlight (visible from at least 500 feet ahead) and a rear reflector or taillight (visible up to 300 feet from behind).
• Stay Alert Keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared responsibility.
• Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you cannot see.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
• Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
• Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.
• Approach Intersections Safely-Most crashes occur near intersections; always know who has the right of way and how to avoid a collision.
• Watch for people walking or cycling against traffic.  If you see a pedestrian walking/running or bicyclist riding the wrong way (against traffic), slow down and pass with at least three feet of space.
• Pass cyclists at a safe distance - Passing cyclists too closely is dangerous and illegal; the driver must also pass with at least three feet clearance of the bicycle – a distance mandated by state law.

The Chicago Department of Transportation has some useful information in the following brochure: Chicago Department of Transportation Tips for Motorists

• Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.
• Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic.  Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Never assume a driver sees you.  Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
• Be visible at all times.  Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.  
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment.

Additional information can be located on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Pedestrian Safety (NHTSA) website.

Resources for Children: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Kid's Guide to Safe Walking