Right-of-way rules are imperative for safety

SHARING THE ROAD

Leisure World has miles of sidewalks that are shared by pedestrians, cyclists and cart riders. It can make for a dangerous mix if people don’t follow right-of-way rules and proceed with caution.

Several Leisure World residents have reported near collisions between speeding bikers and pedestrians walking dogs or just out for exercise. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), pedestrian fatalities are on the rise. While every pedestrian is at risk, older adults and children have a higher likelihood of being injured or killed while traveling by foot, wheelchair, or stroller.

Sidewalks are built for pedestrians. In many places, it is illegal for bikers to ride on sidewalks. Riding bikes on sidewalks has its own set of dangers that many people never think about—getting right hooked, cars pulling out of carports, hitting pedestrians, etc.

Five Rules for Bike Riders on Sidewalks

• Go Slow— This is the chief of all rules for riding on the sidewalk. All the other rules fall under this one. You should never ride faster than a relaxed jog. The sidewalk is built for pedestrians, so you should not be going faster than them. Pedaling fast down the sidewalk is a perfect way to get hurt or hurt someone else.

• Yield to Pedestrians— If you come up behind people walking, be polite and wait for a good time to ask them to let you pass. Never come up behind them yelling, ringing a bell or anything else that could startle or scare them. You are trespassing on their terrain so be courteous.

• Check Every Cross Street and Driveway— Drivers are used to pulling all the way up to the road before coming to a stop and turning onto the street. Make sure when coming up to a driveway or cross street that you slow down and check to make sure a car isn’t coming. They aren’t looking for fast moving vehicles to be coming off the sidewalk, so you have to be watching for them.

• Only Cross the Street at Crosswalks – A good way to get hit by a car is to come darting off the sidewalk into the street randomly. If you need to cross the street, wait until you get to a cross walk and do it there.

• Be Willing to Walk Your Bike— If you regularly ride on the sidewalk, there are going to be lots of times where the best decision is to get off your bike and walk for a bit. This is usually due to congestion. When there are just too many people around that you risk hitting one of them, it’s time to walk. Constantly keep it in your mind that you can get off your bike and walk if things seem chaotic.

Tips For All Road Users

• Same Road, Same Rules, Same Rights: The California Vehicle Code grants motorists and bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities on public streets—both are responsible for obeying the laws and rules of the road.

• Red Means Stop at Traffic Signals and Stop Signs

Motorists and bicyclists must stop at red lights and stop signs, and yield at stop signs to those who arrive first.

• Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions

Whether you drive a car or ride a bike, it’s illegal to talk or text on a cell phone. Wearing headphones that cover both ears is also illegal. If wearing earbuds, leave one ear free to listen for other vehicles, including emergency responders.

• Beware of the “Door Zone”

Motorists should take extra precaution when opening car doors into traffic to avoid collisions with oncoming bicyclists. Also, bicyclists should allow at least five feet of clearance while riding alongside parked cars to avoid the “Door Zone.” Pro-tip: After parking your car, use your right hand to open your door to help you spot bicyclists.

Tips For People Driving

• Give Bicyclists Three Feet or More When Passing

The faster a car’s speed, the greater the distance a motorist needs to pass safely due to vehicle wind shear. On narrower streets, pass bicyclists slowly and only pass leaving three feet of space or more. If there is not adequate space to pass, change lanes or wait until you can pass safely.

• Take Care at Driveways and Intersections

Most crashes occur at intersections and driveways. So when pulling out of driveways or alleyways, look both ways for bicyclists and pedestrians and take extra care when turning right at intersections.

• Use Your Horn to Warn, Not Scold

Nobody likes angry honking and sudden loud noises may startle and distract bicyclists. In fact, it’s against the law to use your horn for non-emergency warnings. — from CampfireCycling.com, California Bicycle Coalition, OCTA.net