Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety

Walking or riding a bike is a great way to get from place to place and to also get some exercise. Every one of us is a pedestrian at some point during the day and it’s important that we all do our part to share the road. In a crash with a car, it’s usually no contest for someone who is walking or biking. Walk smart, Bike smart, and Drive smart to keep our communities safe for everyone.

Let’s ALL Get There Safely

Pedestrian and Bicyclist safety is an issue that affects everyone in Maryland; young and old, drivers and walkers, during the day and at night. Everyone is a pedestrian in some capacity at one point or another. Many unnecessary injuries and fatalities occur because of intoxication, ignorance, or inattentiveness by either or both motorists and pedestrians. Roadways should be safe places for everyone and it’s important that we all do our part. 

That also extends to bicyclists. Most people don’t know that bicycles are actually considered vehicles on Maryland’s roadways, just like cars or trucks. As such, drivers and cyclists alike must learn to share the road with one another and do whatever it takes to keep each other safe.

Slow down, pay attention, and always be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Small Changes in Speed Have Big Impacts

As people travel fast, the risk of death or serious injury rises dramatically. The diagram below shows that a pedestrian or bicyclist struck by a motorist driving 40 mph is EIGHT times more likely to die than a pedestrian or bicyclist struck at 20 mph.

Walk Smart, Bike Smart, Drive Smart

Walk Smart

You need to look up, look out, and stay alert. It’s tempting to pass the time on a walk by looking at your cell phone but it’s safer to pay attention to your surroundings, especially when crossing the street or walking near traffic.

Always follow traffic rules and cross at designated pedestrian crossings wherever possible. Be sure to obey pedestrian crossing signals: push the button and wait for the walk!  Help drivers see you by wearing bright or light-colored clothes, and reflective items at night. If you must walk in the road, walk against traffic so that you can always see the vehicles coming.

Make eye contact with drivers. If they don’t make eye contact with you, there’s a good chance they haven’t noticed you, so you shouldn’t step into their path. While drivers are required to obey pedestrian crossing signals and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, they might not see you. Pedestrians are the vulnerable road users who are killed or injured when struck by a careless driver breaking the law.  Always walk defensively, even when you have the right of way.

Bike Smart

When you’re on a bike, always ride with traffic, signal the direction you’re heading, obey all traffic signs and markings, and follow all traffic safety laws. Being on a bike is not an excuse to ignore red lights or stop signs.

Bicyclists are often harder to see than cars or trucks. Wear reflective clothing and use a light if you’re riding at night so that you’re more easily seen. And when riding near vehicles or passing them, be alert to whether the driver may not see you.

Currently, bicyclists are not allowed to ride on sidewalks in Maryland unless a local jurisdiction specifically allows it; a number of local jurisdictions do allow it.  Be aware that riding on sidewalks can put pedestrians at risk so be courteous and cautious when doing so.  Be mindful of bridges, tunnels, and other stretches of road where riding is prohibited by law.

Drive Smart

Risky behavior behind the wheel can easily result in a collision and if you hit a pedestrian or a bicyclist, the results are devastating for our most vulnerable road users. Keep in mind that you’re moving a lot faster and are better protected. Even at relatively low speeds, car collisions can be deadly for those on foot or bike.

Obey all traffic safety laws and follow all traffic signals. Keep an eye on bikes riding on the road or in bike lanes, and always give plenty of room – – at least 3 feet – – to bicyclists when passing them.  Stop for pedestrians in the marked as well as unmarked crosswalks. If you see other cars stopping or slowing, be aware that they may be stopping or yielding to someone on foot or bicycle – – you are required to stop too.

There are times that pedestrians and bicyclists may not see you approach. They may not have time to react if you are speeding or if they are distracted. Look Up, Look Out, and Stay Alert!